07/01/63
Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38th Iowa Infty
Vicksburg, Mississippi
July 1st 1863

My Dearest Kate
	I am feeling lonely this evening and ____ the shape that it may help to cheer me up I will take my pen and allow my hands to follow my thoughts, which are with you my darling.  It has been very warm to day and we have suffered much from the effects of the heat.  We are all getting tired of lying on this dry hot hill side and are ready for any thing that will give us a chance to leave it.  The Regt. moved forward a mile last night and is now camped within speaking distance of the first rebel fort.  We are behind a hill where they cannot bring their guns to bear upon us, or else we would have to leave in short order, for the Rebels are very jealous of their rights and do not like to have them encroached upon.  I am back at our old camping ground making out the returns of the Regt. for the month of June- 
 I was sure disappointed yesterday when Charley Parks came and brot me no letter.  I was almost sure that I should have one and then to see all the rest get letters made me feel worse than ever.  I have not had one from you for some time and I begin to think there is something- wrong with the mail coming this way as well as with what goes up the river. 
 Parks said he saw you the Sunday before he came away which helps to comfort me some.  He brought a box from father for me-as far as where the Iowa 3rd are camped I have not had a chance to send for it yet so I do not know what it contains, (I hope something good) for I am tired of hard tack and bacon- Oh how my mouth waters for some good vietuals at home-  If ever I get back to where I can have light bread and milk and fresh butter I will have such a feast as none other than a soldier will know how to appreciate-  We are not allowed to leave camp to forage around and if we could I think that we would not be able to better our conditions which for the rebels have made a pretty clean sweep of every thing in the eatable line. We still continue to surround the town and throw shells among them continually and they send back whenever they get a sure chance of doing any damage.  To day they threw a shell that dropped in the middle of one of our batteries killing men instantly and wounding five more.  They all belonged to the 4th Iowa (there might have been another number in front of the 4 and it was cut off, I don’t know).  The men from our Regt. that was wounded some days ago died to day.  Our leading Genls. here think that the rebels will surrender inside of the next ten days.  Men are caught almost every day trying to get away to go to their homes when they say they ____ have at least enough to eat, they all agree in saying that rations are very scarce with them and that they are compelled to live on one half rations and their looks agree with their story.  We can hardly stand it upon full rations and I do not think we could on half, but it may be that the rebels are made of better stuff than we are. 
 Over one half of our Regt. is on the sick list and the other half will be soon unless they stop using the men so hard.  They are put on Pickett Guard for twenty-fours and as soon as they are relieved from that they are sent out to work in the entrenchments or to support a battery.  Lewis Fairbanks of our Co. is very low- Typhoid fever.  The surgeon says he cannot live through the night.  Some twenty more are complaining but none of them are dangerous.  Tinkham has been and is still pretty sick.  If he gets the fever he is a gone captain for his constitution is entirely used up with liquor.  I am about as well as usual.  But these hot days use me rough-  I hear nothing from the 4th Cavalry boys.  They are around on the extreme right, while we are at the fartherest point on the other side.  We can see the town from our camp and hear the dogs bark and the roasters crow.  Yet it is about twenty miles around to the other side, the way that I have to go.  But I am in hopes that the way will be shortened before long and that we can travel where we please.  We hear nothing of Johnston now-  I guess that he is satisfied that he can do nothing and has abandoned the idea of reinforcing  Gen. Pemberton .  The prisoners that have been taken all say that it is thought in Vicksburg that he can come in when he pleases, and that all that he is waiting for is a chance to whip us out before he does it,  The guerrillas on the Louisiana shore above Milikens Bend are getting to be quite trouble some firing into boats every chance they get and doing every thing in their power to prevent supplies reaching Grant’s Army.  We have not got Port Hudson as was reported, but have it in about the same way that we have this place. 
 I saw a Dubuque Times of the 20th to day and in that I see that the Rebels are doing big things in Penn-  I hope they will keep on to Philadelphia and then perhaps our Potomac Army may wake up and do something.  I don’t believe old Hooker is fitted to command an army or else he would not allow the Rebels to out wit him at every place.  I suppose that he is still trying to cross the Rappahannock River.
But I am getting sleepy and the mosquitoes are getting so thick that I must close.  Byers says that A.W. Tennants  is making a great many threats of what he will do to me when I come home.  Do you hear any of them.  I don’t borrow much trouble about it, and shall not stay a single hour longer on that account-  Parks and Spencer both say that you are looking well and hearty and that is indeed a great comfort to me-
Have you father loan my money out if an opportunity presents itself that he considers safe and take the notes and security in your name.  Give my respects to him and your mother- write often and and be a real good girl for the sake of 
Your Ever Loving
Horace

I wish I could be there to to enjoy the 4th with you-  It would be a happier day for us than a year ago was or even two years ago.  Do you ever think of those times and of Willis Smith- or one or two other young men that I could name- and perhaps you can think of- oh ho young lady how I will laugh at you when I come home about some of your old lovers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/05/63

Original: Pat Stevens

Chickasaw, Iowa
July 5th 1863

My Dear Boy
	Your welcome letter of June 1st was received  on _________ and although it had been a long time on the way  none the less thankfully accepted I could wish  ____ ____ not at such a first distance _____ you that ______ letters should be 2 weeks passing between us for the pleasure of  ________ your letters is somewhat saddened by the reaction that although at the time of writing you might have been in good health and all right yet when ______ _______ us you may be very differently ______  ______  _____ not have you write any the less but oftener of you can _____ ______ _______ ________ ________  of _____ _____ danger ______ and we _______ ______  ______ _____  item of intelligence from _______  _______ ________ ______ ______  _____ ______ give when they are correct they   _______ to give the personal information  _____  ______ and which we can only obtain from private letters .  As for instance greatly a word ________ had a report _____  ____ daily ____ the 4th Iowa Cavalry had had a severe skirmish with a superior cavalry force of Rebels in which our boys were victorious but with a loss in killed, wounded and missing of just men on our side- but we are still in the dark as to whether Co. H was engaged who are lost from the Regt. _____ and whether any of our acquaintances are included in that number and shall be forced to continue so with this an rec_____ from that company.
Do not _______________ ______ __________ any complaint on the _______________ _________ _______  letters at any time but to show you the torturing _______ we are obliged to endure after learning that an action has taken place in which our dear ones are engaged while we are compelled to wait for particulars and to impress on you to write with as little delay as possible in case of misfortune-
 I spent the nite very pleasantly at New Hampton, I availed myself of that opportunity to distribute the contents of the express package sent by the boys of C. “C” from Memphis.  Everything pertaining to it was found perfectly correct and satisfactory.  
Many kind inquiries after you were made by people from all parts of the county.  Sarah went with me to New Hampton and Katie came home with us and is going to spend a few days here.  She is in very good health and as good spirits as could be expected under the circumstances-
Horace be assured in her you possess a treasure you cannot  too highly prize.  Our Heavenly Father grant that you may soon be restored to her and the rest of us. But, oh if fate should otherwise ordain I know not what would become of her, for her very soul and life are bound up in you and without you the world to her would be but a dreary waste. Yet she is bravehearted and hopeful and always looking upon the bright side of the picture, anticipating happy days with you when the war shall be over.  May she realize all her fond anticipations and that at no distant days.  But the all wise holds on distance in the hands and we must submit __________________________________________ I was cut short by the announcement that the mail had gone out another change of day so I had no way but to wait till Wednesday before dispatching it.
The news by Sundays mail from the Potomac Army if it proves to be correct is of a cheering character- It is to the effect that General Meads the commander has defeated Lee at every point and driven him back with heavy loss and the report comes today that he has taken 20,000 prisoners and 104 pieces of artillery. Also that General Dix is operating against Richmond while the Rebels are absent in Pennsylvania and Maryland.  It is believed that Meads has succeeded in cutting off Lees retreat should these flattering reports prove true and Grant and Banks take Vicksbury and Port Hudson the war cannot last long.  I give the above news as it comes to us.  We hope it is true but anxiously await its confirmation as we have so often been disappointed by telegraphic reports.  The copperheads fearful that they may prove true are very  silent.
But I must draw to a close, Em must be having a good time in Wisconsin.  So much so that she cannot take time to write.  She has been gone four weeks and all we have received from her was a line today she got safely through.  Has she written to you.
All send love to you, Little Hody(?) has just given me a kiss to send you. Write often affectionately
Your Father
R.Baldwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/06/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38” Iowa Infty
Vicksburg, Mississippi
July 6” 1863

Dear Kate
	I did not write to you yesterday as I promised the last time I wrote, but it was not my fault for we were so busily engaged in moving in here that I could not get time- We are camped on the Big Black River, back of the city and it is thought that Herron’s Division will be one that remains here for a while- A great many troops are being sent out to the Black River for the purpose of trapping Johnston and his force-  I have not been allowed to go into the city yet- So I cannot tell you much about how things look there- Those that have been in say that the shells  from our gun and motor boats has injured almost every building-  There are a great many sick there and many wounded-  Every other building is used for a hospital-  The number of men here is about Thirty Thousand (30,000).  Seventeen Thousand of which are well and fit for duty and the remainder sick or wounded.  They were entirely out of rations and had been living on mule meat for three days when they surrendered.  When our men came in yesterday they (the Rebels) flocked around them and begged for something to eat and now while I write they are in our camp picking up every piece of hard crackers that they can find-  They will all be paroled as soon as arrangements can be made- except the officers who will be sent north-  Many of them say that they are glad that we conquered them and that they will never go into the Rebel ranks again- while others say that they will fight us as long as they live-  The most of them are fine looking fellows=  We thought this a strong place before we got into it but now we find that we knew nothing about it-  The best engineers say that we never could have taken it by storm with twice the number of men that we had here-  There is one continual line of hills one behind the other and each strongly fortified so that had we succeeded in taking the first there would still have been others as strong left-  A charge on their works is what they liked for they could kill us off by hundreds and not lose a man-  This is the largest haul of prisoners and property that ever has been made by our forces-  We captured about fifty thousand (50,000) stands of small arms and over one hundred pieces of artillery besides the thirty thousand (30,000) prisoners-  I tell you what the 4th day of July was a proud day for us and one that will not be soon forgotten= 
 I have been on the sick list for the last two days but am better this morning.  I try and take good care of myself and should anything happen to me you may know that it was not on that account- Quite a number of our camp are also on the sick list- but none are dangerous-  Having to lay in the ditches in the burning sun as they have done since we came here has proved to hard for many of them-  We are all tired of soldering and would be glad to come home now if the war was only ended-  Unless I am heartier than I have been for the last two months I shall quit anyhow and come-  Every one in the Regt. even to the Colonel says that I had better-
I did not get the box that father sent me- nor is there any hope of my doing so- I shall look for letters from you regular now while we remain and don’t let me be disappointed-  I would write more but I do not feel well enough to do so now-  I will do so again soon that you may know how that I get along.  
Don’t borrow any trouble about me for I am not much sick. 
 With much love and many kisses good morning
Ever Your Own
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/08/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38th Iowa Infty
Vicksburg, Mississippi
July 8” 1863

Dear Kate
	You said in your last that you wanted  I should write often if it was only three lines to let you know that I was well and living- And that is the kind of a letter that I am a going to send  you this morning.  I am fast getting better and will be as strong as ever in a day or two.  There has been no change here since I last wrote-  The sick of our Co. are getting better- I have not received a letter from you since the 21st but I am looking for one every day-  The mail is goin in a moment so good bye and don’t scold because this is no longer-
	With a kiss such as I used to give you before going to the office- Good Morning
Ever yours
Horace

HOPE

I could tell you something that would make you laugh _____ I see you
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/10/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38th Iowa Vol Infty.
Vicksburg, Miss.
July 10th 1863

My Own Dear Kate
	As we are under marching orders for Port  Hudson and will leave in the morning I shall have to write to you this evening or else there will be a little woman of my acquaintance feeling very bad because she does not get a letter by every mail-  The order for our leaving came but a short time ago-  I do not think that it is intended that we shall be gone below any great length of time for all that are not able for duty are to be left here and also all our knapsacks and baggage-  But no one can tell- it may be a month and maybe longer-  I had much rather travel north than any farther south- as it is warm enough here for any of us- Co. “C” will have 27 men fit to go along including myself and Tinkham- Green is on the sick list.  Ours will be the largest Co. in the Regt.-  The sick remain about the same- none of them are dangerous now although if there is not a change with some of them soon I fear they will be-  Slater of Bradford is in the worse condition-  None of the New Hampton boys are very bad-  I am feeling very well to day- but it is hard telling how long that I shall remain so- as the first hard duty I have to perform will bring me down again-  I received your ever welcome letter of June 26th yesterday and great pleasure it gave me to hear from you again and that you were well-  I never saw a girl write such desponding letters as you do-  There was not a word to cheer me up- and if ever a poor fellow needs cheering words it is now-  You must not go forward to meet trouble for it always comes fast enough-  I can see no reason why I should not stand as good a chance to live through and come home as any of the rest of them-  True I am not as hearty- yet the healthiest ones do not always stand it the best-  You must keep in good spirits and not let my absence worry you- You will injure your health if you are not careful and then when I come home I shall not be able to have the comfort with you that I should if you were well-  I have no doubt but that I feel as bad to be away as you do to have me yet I do not allow myself to worry about it knowing as I do that it will not help matters in the least-  I have not had a letter from Father since June 10th- I am at a loss to know the reason for others from Chickasaw have had letters of a much later date- Surely he cannot have forgotten that his boy is so far away and anxious to hear from him- Did you have a good time the 4th and how did you enjoy yourself- I enjoyed myself first rate lying on my back sick- for that day ended the siege of Vicksburg- 
 The weather continues very warm during the day-  
There is not a thing in the line of vegetables to be had here either for love or money-  I got an old darkey to get me a few tomatoes this morning and you may rest assured that I feasted- peaches and pears will soon be ripe and then we will live- 
 I was on guard yesterday at General Vandever’s Head Quarters-  It was in a beautiful ______ mansion- until our shells made so many holes through it one of which exploded in the parlor and tore the arm off from the woman that owned it-  But she said that she did not care for that if they could only keep the Yankees out of Vicksburg.
There is rather a laughable story among the boys- Told by Charley Parks-  It is well ---- that you did not wear so large hoops for nothing “Good at guessing is he not” The boys all think it is so and I do not deny it- preferring that time shall prove to them all that men are liable to be mistaken in  their surmises sometimes-  
There is but little news of importance in camp to day-  Some reports have it that Grant is giving Johnston more than he (Johnston) bargained for and others that  Johnston and all his for____ prisoners- But there is no reliance in any of them and we don’t pay any attention to them- 
 But it is getting late and I must close-  It may be sometime before I get a chance to write again- and if it is you must not feel alarmed- But write as often as you get a chance and rest assured that I will-
Give my respects to your Father and Mother and all inquiring friends-
With much love and many kisses good night and pleasant dreams and believe me to be as ever your own 
Love
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/12/63

Original: Rollin Olds

No. 73

Camp 38th Iowa Infty
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Sunday July 12- 1863

Dear Kate
	I have the pleasure to day contrary to my expectations when I last wrote of writing to you-  I did not go along with the Regt. to Port Hudson having been detailed by the Col. to remain and attend to preparing our muster and pay rolls for the last muster-  The Regt. started yesterday and went down a few miles when they met a dispatch boat coming up with the news that Port Hudson had surrendered-  When they turned around and came back but did not leave the boat-  To day they have gone up the Yazoo River to Yazoo City-  I do not know whether they will return here again or not-   if not we will be sent to them as soon as the men left are able to travel-  Surely the Rebellion seems to be drawing to a close-  Two big victories within a week in the south and the northern papers say that the Potomac army has achieved another of equal magnitude- which is indeed glorious news if true and inspires us with the hope that the day is not far distant when we may all return to our homes and be happy once more= 
 All the prisoners taken here that were able left this morning they having been paroled-  Many of them say that they have done all the fighting for the South that they will and that when they get to their homes they are a going to stay there=  Quite a number took the oath of allegiance yesterday and went up the river on a boat last night saying that they were going North where they could earn a living and be looked upon as men and not the equal of the nigger- a good and sensible idea I think and one that they ought to have thought of long ago=  I have not talked with one but what is anxious to have the war close- but some of them want what they call their rights first which means a “Southern Independence”-  A thing that they won’t get if all reports about our victories prove true=  There are but few inhabitants here the most of them having left before Grant surrounded the place-  I have not seen but very few women and they looked as though they had seen hard times-  There is many a proud southern head bumbled by this rebellion and those that used to revel in their wealth and scorn those that worked for a living would be very glad to have the same privileges now  I do not know but what a little of the same wholesome lesson would be a benefit to some in the north that carry their heads so high- 
 I did not learn on what terms Port Hudson surrendered but presume that it must have been unconditional as Banks would accept of no other-  The number of prisoners is estimated at ten thousand (10,000) and about a hundred pieces of artillery=  There is no further news about Grants capturing Johnston’s forces-  But we rather think that he has not succeeded in doing so yet-  Every thing here remains about the same-  The sick are no worse if not better-  The most of those in our Co. are gaining a little=  T.T. Still is quite low and it will be very doubtful about his getting better-  I do not think that there is any others in a dangerous condition-  The New Hampton boys are all up and about except Rich Carkin and he is gaining rapidly-  I am feeling first rate and am in hopes to continue to do so- 
 A large mail came down the river for us this morning but as the Regt. was mostly gone it was sent after it and we did not get any-  It made me feel rather down hearted to think that letters had come so near without my getting one- but I soon banished such thoughts and am now in good spirits= 
 I came very near forgetting that to day was Sunday- but it would have made but little difference as a Sunday in the army is very little different than any other day-  I should like to be at home with you this evening very much- my thoughts are with you and of the pleasant evenings that we used to enjoy together- and I wonder to myself whether we shall ever be as happy again-  I am hopeful that we may- and that the time is not far distant-  I can picture to myself how you are looking this evening sitting by the sitting room window all fixed up so cool and nice-  while I poor boy am compelled to sit in this hot tent without any one near to offer a word of comfort or cheer-  could I be there just to have an evening walk and a social chat with you how I would enjoy it-  I could come back tomorrow morning and be contented with a soldiers lot (for a day or two at least)-  Tom says that his wife is not a going east-  I wonder what is the reason- 
 Capt. Tinkham uses me very well now-  He and Barron made another attempt to get me away from the Co. by trying to have me appointed Adjt. but in that they failed and since then all goes smooth-  I quit acting Adjt. several days ago and am now with the Co.-  or will be as soon as I finish the pay rolls-  Tinkham says that he has bought him a home- and to hear him talk you would think that it was a paradise-  I am some what surprised to think that Mrs. Tinkham can condescend low enough to live apon a farm-  I would like to have a piece of land if I could have the kind I wanted but as it is I will wait until I came home and then decide what to do- 
 Byers says that Abe Lemont (?) says that he is a going to give me a whipping when I come home- “OK” how bad I feel-  I guess I’ll stay and fight Secesh (?) for fear he may-  I wonder how many men he ever whipped-  I’ll bet a dollar not as many as his sister has- and I’ll be the judge-  It is supposed that Horace Baldwin knew what he was about and that he knew that Miss. P. (?) was- as nice and plump a little piece as he could find-  I can well afford to take a whipping to pay for the good times that I have had with her-  But I am telling to much and will be having you jealous if I don’t stop-  I shall have a good many things to tell you when I get back that you never thought of--  But I have wrote long enough and will close for supper- 
 Cheer up when you read this and let me see a smile in the place of that long face or I won’t kiss you good evening Katie dear-  Be a good girl and get your sheets and pillow cases done by the time I come home-  With all my love- and four kisses (I have given all the rest away)  Good night
Ever your own true and loving
Horace

I have forgot to number some of my last letters- but will try and be more careful-

You said in your last letter that an artist was coming to New Hampton on the 4th and that you was a going to get your and send to me=  Now what am I to understand from that-  did you mean a little artist- or a picture of yourself-  If you meant the former you need not send it- for I had rather get up my own artist.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/14/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Kate
	I have a moments time to write a line and send by Whitmore who starts for home in a few minutes-  Every thing remains the same as when lost I wrote-  The sick of our Co. are all better-  I am as well as usual-  Write often- for I want a letter “Oh” so bad-  If you see Whitmore he will tell you all about matters here-
Good bye
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/16/63

Original: Rolling Olds

Camp 38th Iowa Infty
Vicksburg, Mississippi
July 16-1863

Dear Kate
	I have just time enough this morning to tell you a few words about the way matters are moving here-  I have had the chills and fever for the past two days but am confident that it has received an effectual cure that is if there is any virtue in Quinine-  I feel first rate this morning and as though I could eat everything I see in the shape of vietuals (?)-  The rest of the boys that were left here are all on the mend except Billy Cotant and Trask-  Billy is very sick and I fear there is no hope for him-  He has been complaining for a long time-  He took his medicine last night and went to sleep-  soon after Tom who was sleeping with him heard him breathing very hard and attempted to wake him up but could not do so-  The doctor was called but could do nothing for him and he is still lying in that condition-  We are in hopes that he may be better when he awakes= yet I have my fears that he will not-  Trask has the fever and is very low-  I was told yesterday that he could not live-  Three men from other companies have died within the last two days and more are very sick-  The hard times that we saw getting this place is what caused so many to be on the sick-list-  I have not heard from the boys that went up the Yazoo-  We are looking for orders to follow them every day-  Grant has got old Johnston surrounded and you may expect to hear that there is some hard fighting there soon-  The Iowa 3rd and one or two other Regiments were all cut to pieces by Johnston day before yesterday-  All the troops but one Division and the convalescents have been sent out to the Big Black- 
 I have not had a letter from you since I last wrote-  I am getting quite anxious for one- but do not blame you for my not doing so- I am having quite easy times sitting in the shade through the heat of the day- and doing what work I have to do in the morning and evening-  I have not been in the city yet- but am going the first cool day-  Col. Hodnutt  told me that he saw over five hundred women (Secesh) drawing rations at the commissary last night- and some of them used to belong to the Upper ten dam (?) of the South-  I wonder if they like the hard crackers and rusty bacon of the United States as well as they did their fancy style of living before  their ____-  Good enough for them I say it will learn them to let well enough alone next time-  If I were in command they should not have a thing to eat-  But would send them after their husbands and brothers that are fighting us and let them get their living there- 
 But the Old Chaplain (who is our mail carrier) is waiting for this and I must not detain him longer-  I will write again in the morning and let you know all _____ that transpires between now and then-  With many a kiss and all my love good morning
As Ever Yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/17/63

Original: Rollin Olds

July 17” 1863

Kate
	An unexpected opportunity has just presented itself for me to send you a line and I cannot let it pass without doing so- I am quite well this morning= as are all the boys here except Billy and Edgington and Still-  Billy is no worse if not better-  I shall make an effort to have him discharged to day and if I succeed I am in hopes that he will be able to leave for home-  I have not heard from those at Yazoo City=  We are looking for them back to day- 
 I have had no letter yet I am in real good spirits- and looking forward hopefully for the time to come when we can meet to part no more-  Keep in good cheer until then dear Kate and hope for the best-  It is very warm to day-  I heard Earl Beach  yesterday he was “all right”-  Time is up and I must close
With a kiss adieu
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/19/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38th Iowa Vol. Infty
Vicksburg, Miss.
July 19, 1863

Mrs. H.C. Baldwin-
Dearest Kate
	It is with pleasure that I sit down this Sunday morning to answer your welcome letter of the 3rd and 5th ___.   It found me as usual quite well with the exception of- slight attack of homesickness which was soon gone after reading your letter-  It seems as though that I had been away double the length of time that I have-  It will soon be a year since I enlisted and also since that you were made my bride and how little of the time have I been with you-  I am in hopes that we shall not be separate much longer- And in fact I know that we shall not-  that is if we are alive-  I am tired of this kind of a life and you may rest assured that if I get out that I will be contented to stay out- I am still here with those that were left sick-  I hear from the Regiment  day before yesterday- They had left Yazoo City with five days rations on an expedition across the country-  The most of the boys were in good health and spirits- A staff officer on General Vandevers staff came down yesterday and brought word that when Herron’s Division returned here that it would go up the river into Arkansas-  We all hope that such will be the case for we are tired of Miss. and especially Vicksburg.
 Our boys here remain about the same, Billy appears to be a little better this morning- but I don't think that he can ever get well unless that he is sent north  I have been trying to have him _____  but thus far without success.  Edgington and Trash are both better.  Poor little Still died night before last and was buried yesterday.  He ought to have been sent home to New Madrid but the diseases set in and carried him away.  He was a son in law of Martin Longdon ? the Supervisor from Dresden Township-  You will see that we spend the 4th of July in a different manner down here than what you up in Iowa do-  Could you have only known what was going on here that day-  You would then have felt like rejoicing with the rest-  Ten thousand thanks for your kind remembrance of me on that day-  Although I would not wish you to forego any pleasures on my account- for as you know that by doing so that it will not benefit me=  I am well pleased to know that you are so willing to deny yourself pleasure-  It all goes to more fully assure me that your heart is all mine-
  I did not get Fathers letter that you spoke of but one of the 21st of June- that I ought to have had long ago-  You must be getting pretty well acquainted at Chickasaw you go there so often-  I am glad that you do- but would feel much better if I could be there to go with you-  Don’t you call it a nice place-  And do you longer wonder at my liking it there so well on Sundays-  You wouldn’t if there was the same attraction for you that there was for me-  And so you are agoing to be jealous if I look at other girls-  well I won’t when you are around-  I’ll only go into the sitting room where they are- or else up stairs-  And that wont make you feel bad  I know I can see how you look to day-  Sitting by the dining room window all fixed as though you wanted to catch a beau just as you used to do last summer  Oh I do wish I could be there-  where it is cool and where I  could get a good drink of water- and  a Good Dinner and a kiss from your sweet mouth then wouldn’t I be happy=_________________________________________________  citizens clothes on then I should think so but to wear these same military suit all the while without a change is enough to make any one forget that there is such a day as Sunday-  
A report came in this morning from the Big Black that Johnston had cut his way through our lines and escaped-  Some think that such is the case- and many don’t believe it=  I am rather of the opinion that it is so as the old fellow would not want to be caught in the same manner that Pemberton was here- and he surely would have been if our forces had only once got around him and then arranged a little=  If we could have caught him the war in the west would have been about at end= 
 Two hundred Rebel Officers captured at Fort Hudson were brought up here yesterday-  I have not learned what is to be done with them-  Boats can now run from New Orleans to St. Paul-  I guess that I will get on board one and go up-  You won’t care will you-  I’ll get cooled off it I go up there and then I’ll stop and see you as I came along back=  Capt. Welsh of Co. “A” and Capt. Kirkup ?  of Co. “D” have both resigned and gone home-  others talk of doing so  Rich Carkins received a letter from “Stella”  the other day and as we are on good terms he told me some that she wrote which is not in accordance with some of the stories that I have heard-  The story about her last fall must have been false if she tells the truth-  She says that she gets letters from Jo Statton but never answers them and often never opens them-  I fear Rich is blinded a little by her sharp management-  He gets letters from Mrs. Taylor once in a while-  But I don't know what she writes-  Tyler wishes me a have you tell his wife if you saw her-  That the reason of __________________________________.
I have not forgotten him and that I will write to him soon.
I guess Mrs. T. D. is feeling rather down hearted by the way Tom talks=  I guess she finds that it is better to be a little more of a common style of a woman than to put on so many airs as she has done-  Perhaps her experience teaching school this summer may prove a benefit to her-  But I have written a pretty long letter and as it is about dinner time I will close-  I forgot to say that  A. Vaughn was quite sick-  though not dangerous-  I guess that I had better not send any love this time for fear that I may find some fair maid to bestow it upon here-  It will not make any difference with you for you surely must have a lot  on hand-  that I have already sent you-  Here is a lot of kisses- and - - a little Love
Write often darling
With a Kiss- I’ll go to dinner- (I’ll tell you what it is hard crackers and coffee)  Don't you wish you had as good
Tenderly and Truly Your Affection
Horace

I made a mistake when I said that I should have hard crackers and coffee for dinner  I had bread and butter  
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 07/23/63 

Original: Rollin Olds

Camp 38” Iowa Vol Infty
Vicksburg, Miss.
July 23- 1863

Dear Kate
	Our Regiment is under marching orders for New Orleans- We leave at 4 o’clock this afternoon-  I have not learned the reason for sending us down there- Some say that after we get there we will be sent to Mobile, Alabama and others that we will go to Charleston South Carolina= But I do not know nor do I believe that any one else does-  unless it is the commanding General-  We are hardly disappointed at not going north as we all supposed that we should do when Herron returned- But few of our men are really able to go- yet they will all have to go except those that are not able to sit up-  It is pretty hard on them yet there is no way of avoiding it for General Vandever has ordered it so-
The average number of deaths in our Regiment is one a day and that number will be increased when we leave here-  There is none of our Co dangerously sick now- I am pretty well although not so hearty as I have been-  I do not really like the idea of going farther south- yet there is no other show but to go along-  I am no better than the boys and can go as well as they- 
 It will be difficult to get letters from you when we get  down there- and perhaps mine may not reach you very regular but if they do not you must not let it worry you- I shall write at every chance so that if letters go through at all you will get one-  
Mrs Cotant sent Tom her picture and that of their little boys-  They were not very well taken yet I would that I had one of yours as good-  Now that ought to be good judge say that it will not be any more unhealthy below than it is here- I hope not at any rate-  I think that it was an unlucky day for us that put us under Herron- An effort has been made to get our Regt. out from under his command but without success- I do wish we could for I do not like either Herron or Vandever-  All they care for is to get themselves great names at the expense of the soldiers=  They are down on the 38th as much as we are on them-  But we don’t care we don’t want their friendships=
I quit acting adjutant on the morning of the 4” and said that I never would act again-  But the old Colonel has just told Tinkham that I must come back and straighten things up again as all had gone wrong since I quit-  We fall out once in a while but he knows that if he abuses me that I won’t stay in the office and so he lets me alone-  All say that I have more privileges than any one else in the Regt.-  The New Hampton boys are pretty well except Billy and he is better-  Tyler is one of the most prompt men in the Co. and has the good will of all the officers-
This is the place that tries mens souls and if ever he is good for anything he shows it-
You say that you would not like to hear the shells fall around you as they did around us- But suppose that you were in the same place_____________________________
I guess that you would have to like it- But I __________________________________
to write more for I must write a letter to father before___________________________
and let him know where we are a going, you must keep up a stout heart- and hope for the best- and all will be ______. 
I am in good spirits- Write and direct as you have done until I tell you different- 
With love and kisses oh so many
I close- Be a good girl for the sake of
Your ever loving
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/26/63

Original: Rollin Olds

Steamer Lebanon
Port Hudson
July 26- 1863

Kate
	 We left Vicksburg on the evening of the 24” and arrived here this morning-  While we have been laying all day awaiting the movement of General Herron-  We are drawing six days rations in addition to the five that we now have on hand which seems to say that we are bound further than New Orleans- It is thought  by some that we will go back up to the mouth of Red River(?) and then up that stream into Arkansas in search of Kirby Smith, Price and Marmaduke- It seems probable that we may for Arkansas is Herrons old stomping ground- and I can not see any use of sending us to New Orleans- 
I am in quite good health for me- and in first rate spirits- Lieut. Green is very low with fever but I guess will make a life of it.
We brought 58 men of our Co along and most of them are in good health- a few being on the sick list-  We left eighteen at Vicksbury- three or four will never get well- Henry Shoemaker of Chickasaw being one.  It was thought that he could not live through the day that we left-  Billy Cotant was also left- but was getting better-  He was the only New Hampton boy- except Stone- I can’t write much now- and I think it doubtful if you get what I have written but I know you will be glad to hear from me if it is only a line- I will write at every chance
In haste as ever your
 Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/27/63

Original: Susie Harris

Steamer Lebanon at Port Hudson
July 27- 1863

Kate
	I have a chance to send you a line to tell you that I am as well as usual- and that we are still here awaiting orders to go somewhere- General Herron and Vandever  went to New Orleans last night to see General Banks and find out where to go-  They will be back to night and then I presume that we shall move-  The boys with us are in tolerable good health none being very sick- Lieut Green is about the same-  Cotant Johnston- Tyler and Roby are all right-  I feel first rate and only wish that I could see you- time is up and I can’t write more-  will write again the first chance-  You do the same
With much love and many kisses good bye- Excuse this short letter for I had to beg a man to wait for me to write who was going to a P.O.
As ever your own true and  loving
Horace

“It is thought that we will go on down the river”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/28/63

Original: Susie Harris

On Board Steamer Lebanon at Port Hudson
July 28-1863

My Dear Kate
	I wrote you a line yesterday and one the day before but for fear that they may not reach you I will again write one to day- although what little news that I may have to tell you may not prove very interesting- You will see by the heading of this that we are still lying here where we have been since the morning of the 26th- General Herron went to New Orleans on that day to see General Banks and has not returned yet.  It is very difficult to imagine which way we may go from here- Some say that Banks will not want us below and that we will go up Red River and then into Arkansas- And others that we will go on down to New Orleans and then either into Texas or around to Mobile- Herron is expected back to night and then we will move for some place- I have not had an opportunity of going on shore to look around any-  There is no town here as I supposed there was- From the river it does not look to be any where near as strong a place as Vicksburg-  The hills are not as high and steep- as they are there- I think that Western troops could and would have taken this place much sooner than it was taken by the Eastern troops that are here-  They think that they saw very hard times- but I guess if they had been with us at Vicksburg awhile they would have found that we underwent as nasty hardship-  The troops here all seem to be in good health- much better than ours-  It is said by all that Vicksburg is the most unhealthy place on the Mississippi River-  We left two hundred and fifty of our regiment there sick- many of whom should die-  We left eighteen of our Company- Henry Shoemaker of Chickasaw was very low with fever and no hope entertained of his recovery- One or two more men quite low but there was a chance for them to get well-  The most of the boys that came along are better than they were when we left there- All are able to be around-  I am much better- I did not feel first rate for a day or two after we left- but am feeling first rate now-Lieut. Green has been quite sick and is not out of danger yet although much better- The weather is very warm- The hottest that I ever saw- yet we manage to get along by keeping in the shade during the day-  It is raining now which helps to cool off the air- I would write you a longer letter if I had the time but as it is I must close with the hope that what little I have wrote may speedily reach you= If you should not get my letters often you must not feel bad- For I can not help it-  I write at every opportunity- but there is no chance for mailing them very regular.
With all my love and thousands of kisses good bye
Write often
Affectionately yours
Horace

You won’t forget the 9’ day of August  two years ago will you
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/30/63

Original: Susie Harris

Steamer Lebanon
July 30th 1863

My Dear Wife
	 Here we are at Port Hudson where we have been since I last wrote- General Herron returned from New Orleans this morning- General Banks will be up in a day or two and then we are to be sent out on some great expedition- Until that time we are to go ashore and camp-
A thing that we are all glad to do for we are tired of being shut up as we have been since we came here- Many of the men are sick- but none that are dangerous-  The New Hampton boys are all well- Colonel Hughes is very sick- but I guess will get well. Lt. Green is much better- I am very well and in first rate spirits-  I had no idea that I could stand the heat as well as I have done-  I am in hopes to be able to go along with the Reg wherever it may go-  I have no idea where  that may be-  I think not to New Orleans for if such was to have been the case, General Banks would not come up here-  You would not hardly know one of the boys that you used too-  they have changed much since we left New Madrid-  then their faces were full and round- but now they are long and slim-  Rich Carkins looks poorer than “Vet” used too- and the rest have changed fully as much-  I went across the river yesterday and went to one or two of what used to be splendid mansions of southern planters but now they are all destroyed-  I wish you could be here and see in what style they used to live-  Peaches-figs, watermelons and all other kinds of fruits are ripe now- and as soon as we get back from the river we will have plenty- I am very careful and do not eat but little of any kind for fear that it may injure me 
 I have a chance to send this north to be mailed and therefore cannot write more now- I know that you would rather hear from me often by a line than to wait and have a long letter-  I will send a long one as soon as I can get the time to write one-  and until then you must be content with short ones-  I will write as often as I can- and you do the same-  
Tyler says that if you see his wife tell her that he is all right- Direct your letters as you have done- 
With much love and many kisses
Good bye- Give my respects to your father and mother
As ever yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07/31/63

Original: Susie Harris

Steamer Lebanon off Port Hudson
July 31-1863

Dear Kate-	
	I will send you a line to day although I have no news to tell you further than that I’am enjoying my usual health- It is very warm to day-  So much so that a man can scarcely breath- Very many of the men in the Regt. are sick with diarrhea- some of them are very bad and cannot live more than a day or two longer none of our Co are very low except A A Brown and George Denniston-  They are quite sick and may not get well- Colonel Hughes is very sick he goes north this afternoon on a leave of absence- Lt. Green tried to get one to go along  but failed-  The sickest men here will be sent up to Narthem Hospital today-  We have moved out two miles from the river and gone into camp-  How long we shall remain is more than I know-  I have not been out yet but those that have say that it is a nice place-  I have not heard from the boys at Vicksburg since we left-  I think of home this hot weather and the comforts that I used to enjoy- Oh I do wish that I was there now-  But I must close this hastily written note- with the hope that it may find you well and happy.
All the New Hampton boys are well
Good bye
Ever young
Horace

Here is a kiss love
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/02/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters
38th Regiment Iowa Infty
Port Hudson La.
Aug 2-1863

Dear Kate
	Although it is Sunday I could not have the day to myself- and therefore I cannot send you as good a letter as I should like to have done- I have worked all day making a monthly return of the Regt.- not because I like to work on Sunday but because an order came for it to be handed in to the General’s office this evening- There has been quite a change in the Regt. during the month of July-  It numbers 31 less than it did the last day of June- Seven commissioned officers have resigned and five men have been discharged for disability- and 19 have died with disease-  At that rate it will not take long to reduce the 38th down as low as some of the old regiments- very many are sick with different diseases now and I fear August will show a larger list of deaths than July has done-  One poor fellow has just now breathed his last- and one or two more will before many days- Our Company is as well as any one in camp although quite a number are complaining-  If two or three could be sent north immediately they would live- but unless they are, there is no chance for them to get well-  The diarrhea is the great trouble with all- after a man gets reduced with it- fever sets in- and then it is very doubtful about his coming up again-  I almost dread to hear from the boys left at Vicksburg for I know that when I do it will be that some of them are no more- Colonel Hughes is very lame-  He starts for home by the first boat but I fear that he will not live to get there-  I wrote some days ago to have his friends come and meet him- Colonel Hodnutt is at home sick- We have less than one hundred and fifty men in the Regt. fit for duty- We are encamped about a mile from the river- It is a pleasant shady place and we would like it first rate but for the graves of 26 soldiers in the center of the camp- On that account we shall move tomorrow to other grounds-  Major Chadwick told me a little while ago that the prospect now was that we should not have any marching to do for a couple of months- unless it was to change for a more healthy place if one could be found-  If such is to be the case then  most of the men will get well rested and recruited up= that is if it is possible for men to do so in this climate- What we most need is vegetables-  If we could only have plenty of them a change in the condition of the men would soon be visible-  hard crackers and bacon and coffee is poor diet for sick men-  There is but very little in the vegetable line to be had here except what is more ingenious than none at all-  If a man gets out and eats what peaches and such trash that he wants he is sure to come down sick-  The thin faced men around are very plenty- while a hearty looking man is not to be found= The New Hampton boys are as well as any- Tyler, Kephart, Johnston and Dupas and Cotant are what is called well here- Statton and Roby are a little down but not serious- Rich Carkins is growing worse all the while-  To see him you would not know him= I am a little afraid for him- yet I hope that my fears may prove groundless=  A A Brown  is worse this evening- and but little hope entertained of his recovery-  It makes me feel bad to see the poor fellows- and know that if they could only be at home they would soon get well- But such is war no one knows the hardships until they have been in the service awhile-
I have been Adjutant so long that I know the men in all the companies almost as well as I do those in Co “C”- I wanted to quit again but the Colonel said no-  The major has command of the Regiment and is not well posted and the Colonel said that I must remain to keep things straight  Lieut. Green is about the same-  He tried to get leave of absence to go home for awhile but failed-  If I thought that I was one half as sick as he is I should resign and travel for Iowa with all speed-  But he is different he has a position now and he thinks that if he resigns it  that he will not get another.  
I am looking for a boat down from Vicksburg  all the while that will bring me a letter from you my love-  Oh what joy it would be for one to be at your side as I was a year ago- or rather as you are now my bride-  The dearest of all on Earth- you are with me in all my thoughts during the day- and the one bright object of my dreams at night-  Your love is worth more and does more to keep me around than any thing else-  I am not what would be called strong and hearty yet will enough to be around all the while and do the duties of the office-  I take as good care of myself as I know how and am very careful about eating-  I had much rather go hungry than to eat any thing that would injure me-  it is a wonder with all  how I manage to keep around-  His Honor T D Cotant came very near being reduced to the ranks day before yesterday- An order for it was made out- But I begged for him as I had done twice before and saved him his place- It will learn him a lesson I guess that he won’t forget soon- Captain Tinkham  keeps well to hearty- If we stay here long our mail arrangements will be so arranged that letters will come and go regular-  General Vandever and staff have gone to New Orleans- for what purpose is more than I know-
 Do you ever think how far I am away- I never supposed that I should be so far away from you- and I never will again if I am fortunate enough to get where you are-
I would write more but it is getting to dark to see and I have no candle- I will close and go lie down on my blanket and think of you and the good times past- Write often my love  for I want to hear from you oh so bad- Give my respects to Don and your mother- and accept the love of your ever
Faithful
Horace

Monday morning Aug 3rd
	There is no  _______ this morning- Co “C” boys remain about the same- I am feeling first rate- H
Hope-Love-Kisses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/05/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Reg Iowa Infty
Port Hudson, La.
Aug 5-1863

Kate
	I have time enough this morning to write you a line and tell you how we fare away in this beautiful sunny south-  There has been no boats down from Vicksburg since I wrote last- and therefore the news that I have to tell you aside from what has transpired here will not be of much importance-  The health of the regiment has not improved any- if there has been a change it has been for the worse- five men have died during this month and as many more will inside of the next five days-  Three companies do no report a man for duty this morning- our Co has 10 that are able to be around although not really well-  Rich Carkins remains about the same-Dupas was pretty sick yesterday- but appears better this morning-  Frank Loveless  is quite low- also a man by the name of Henderson and another by the name of Huffman-  Brown is a little better and perhaps may come up again-  The New Hampton boys are all around- 
 With all my begging I could not save T. D. Bosworth (?)  from being reduced and he now ranks as a high private-  We feel very bad about it-  but has no one to blame but himself- 
 The weather is very hot and the sick suffer much from the heat.
Colonel Hughes is not any better-  Lt. Green is about the same.  There is but- six officers besides myself in the Regt. that are fit for duty-  I am not hearty as I used to be but then I am well enough to keep around-  The men that used to be the healthiest are now in the worst condition-  I am getting quite anxious to have a letter from you and know how you are this summer-  I never saw such times as I am seeing now truly the season of 1863 will be one that I shall long remember-  It is wicked  for our General Herron  to keep us here when they know that by sending us north they could save many lives- and still do as much good as we are doing now.  But they don’t care so long as they can have a nice book to live upon and everything to make them comfortable-  what because of a soldier-  General Herron has never been into our camp and but very few of the men have ever seen him-  You may best assumed that he has but few friends in the 38th Iowa-  
But I must close as the mail starts in a few moments-  You must keep in good spirits and hope for the best and I trust all will yet be well and we’ll meet again and be happy- Be a good girl and don’t forget that there is one who thinks of you at all times-  I dreamed I saw you last night-
Good bye dearest one-
I send love and kisses as usual
With a fresh one for your lips
I remain as ever yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/09/63

Original: Susie Harris

Camp 38’ Iowa Vol Infty
Port Hudson La.
Aug 9” 1863

My Dear Kate
	I received your two letters of the 18th and 22nd of last month day before yesterday- They found me enjoying tolerable good health and in good spirits- I had expected to have waited much longer before I heard from you but as good luck would have it such was not to be the case- There is but little news here- The health of the Regiment has not improved any since I last wrote- We are losing at the rate of two  men a day by death= The number reported for duty this morning is less than twenty(20)- Our company has scarcely well ones enough to care for the sick and other companies are in a worse condition.  None of ours have  died since we came here- although I fear that some will before long- A. Slater and George Scripture are on a hospital boat- both are very sick- It is thought that Scripture will live- but there is but little hope of Slater ever being better- Frank Loveless is quite lame also Tommy Mills  H.H. Hoffman and Dupas-  the surgeon thinks that perhaps he can cure them- but says that their people need not be surprised to hear of their deaths at any time. I think Dupas will come out all right as he is much better this morning- Cotant , Johnston- Kephart, Roby and Statten(?) are complaining yet they are not dangerously sick- Rich Carkins remains about the same- his case is rather doubtful yet- He looks very bad- many more of the men are sick but as you do not know them I will not name them-  it is a heart rendering scene to go through our camp and see the poor fellows lying in their tents suffering for want of care and the comforts of home- If they could only have something that they could eat.  Many that are sick now would immediately get better-  All that they have is hard crackers and salt meat and coffee- and  once in a while a little rice and hommy- but never a thing in the vegetable line- They get fresh beef once in a while but that only makes them worse after eating it= If we could only be sent north for sixty days we could then come back a healthy and well regiment- but if we are kept here it will be a long time before we are able for duty- Colonel Hughes died on the morning of the 7” of Diarrhea-  Nothing could be done to check it- He was buried here for the present- as no metallic coffin could be had to take him home in- As soon as cool weather comes his friends intend on taking his body home for burial- His death is a heavy blow on the Regt. for there is not another man in it capable of filling his place.  He was a good man and always tried to do for the best interest of the men- there were a few who did not like him- but the reason was that he had a mind of his own - and would not do as they wished- He had a wife and three children who live at Decorah- What a terrible blow it will be for them- He often told me that they were his pride and his all and that were it not for them he should have no fears of war- He seemed to think every thing of them- But they will be no worse off than the families of many other men in the Regiment- But thus far my letter has not been very cheering and I will change the subject-  I am not as hearty as I used to be yet I manage to keep around- I never was in the hospital- The nearest that I came to being there was  to be in the convalescent camp-  It is out of the question for me to try and do any duty in this climate-  I have about made up my mind to resign and come home- I know that in doing so that I shall be censured by many but I shall not care for what they say- I think that I know what is for my own good better than any one else can- But as it is very warm now I will wait until tomorrow morning and finish this-

Monday morning Aug 10th 1863
I was agreeably surprised this morning dear Kate at receiving two letters from you dated July 25 and 28 and one from father of the 28”  I had just waked up and was sitting on my blanket without my pants on when they came.  Oh I never was so glad to get letters before- and then all three of them were such good ones- You say that you sent me your picture but I have not got it yet- How funny you must have looked sitting on the floor up Ganett(?) writing I wish I could have been there to have seen you- You must not feel bad because you broke that ring for I broke mine long ago= 
A great many troops came down the river last night and are landed here- I hear that an expedition is to be fitted out and sent to Mobile- from here- You may rest assured that the 38” will not take a very prominent place in it- Efforts have been made to have us sent back up the river until cool weather comes but with no success thus far- Your letter cheered me up wonderfully- I feel like a new man since reading them- I fear that you will not get my letters very regular now as there is no regular mail line from here to Vicksburg- I never for a moment thought but that you wrote as often as you used to- And so Mrs Anne makes the “Green Backs” fly- Will she feel as good when she hears that Tom is now a private- and so she said that she was a going to keep up with you in dress- I am afraid that she will find that $13 per month will not much more than support her- some of the money that Tom sent home belonged to Billy- I should suppose that she would have to much pride to go and live with Sam after having such a time as they have had- 
I am very careful and do not eat any food for I know that it is not healthy in this climate- No I am not afraid of your hoops- nor am I worried about their size- You know that I used to think a great deal of hoops- I guess Parks was mistaken as his wife probably wore more and he could not help but notice the difference- I am glad that Billy Werner has got himself in for the war- and hope that he will have to stay until it is over- I do not fear Mrs. Tennant(?) and she’ll not hesitate to come home on that account- 
The boys of our Co. all appear a little better this morning-Tinkham is quite sick- The last that he heard from his wife was July 18” and then she was very sick.  He is considerably worried about her- Four men died in the Reg. yesterday- one from Co “G” one from Co “I” and two “C”- The letter that Tinkham wrote to the courier has got him into a fuss with the surgeons here- I don't see what he wanted to write such a one for- We got a letter from the boys at Vicksburg.  They were all alive- although some were pretty sick-  I do wish that your picture of you would come for I want to see it real bad- But I have written all for this time- I will write again in a day or two- and keep you posted how we get along
Write often for I love to hear from you- Respects to your father and mother and some to you- “Oh” so much- and kisses on abundance-
As ever your own true and loving
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/13/63

Original: Susie Harris

Camp 38th Iowa Infty
Port Hudson,  La.
Aug 13- 1863

Katie E. B.
	Knowing  that you will want to hear how I am getting along I will take the time and trouble this morning to tell you.  I am about as well as usual-  I do not mean by that- that I am as well as when I was at home but that I am able to be around and see to things-  I am poorer now than I have been for a long time-  I weigh one hundred and forty (140) pounds- so much you see for having good living-  The boys of our Co. are about the same with one or two exceptions-  Sergt. Lyman is very sick- besides being deranged I am afraid that he will not get well-  Those that I mentioned in my last as being the worst cases are about the same-  Mills and Huffman(?) will have a very narrow escape if they come up again-  Capt. Tinkham is the sickest man in our Co-  Poor fellow I am afraid that his soldering is at an end-  The surgeon says that he has done all for him that he can-  and that unless the medicine that he has taken helps him- He will not live- Don’t say anything that may reach his wife for I do not wish to alarm her and perhaps he may possibly get better-  He does not know any one nor can he speak so as to be understood-  Lieut. Stevens of the Co “K” died on the 10th-  Twenty eight men have died in the Regt. since Aug 1st- which you will see is more than two a day-  Our division received marching orders yesterday- for New Orleans-  The 2nd Brigade went last night and ours is to go tomorrow morning-  Some say that we will be better off there where vegetables can be had- while others say that we will be worse- for my part I can’t tell-  Somehow it seems to me as though I had rather go than not-
A New York Regt. left for home last night, their time being up.  I tell you they were a happy set of fellows-  Our Division has been assigned to the 13th Army Corps. Generals order-  It is thought that it will be sent around to operate against Mobile-  I would write  you more but  if I do I shall have to wait until tomorrow before sending this-
Tom Cotant feels very bad because he is reduced and says that he will not stand it-  But I see no shame for him to do otherwise-  The New Hampton boys are all up and about this morning
Direct your letters as you have done for the present-  
With kisses and love as would I close
Write often
Truly your Loving
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/15/63 by Russell Baldwin

Original: Pat Stevens

Chickasaw
Aug 15th 1863

Dear Horace
	 Since I last wrote I have received your of July 11th and 18th which were p_____ with eager interest.  Yours to Em has also come to hand.  We are much rejoiced to receive this evidence that you are still in the land of the living for it had been so long since we had heard any thing from you that we feared something serious might have befallen you-  We rejoice that there is a prospect of you coming home to us and hope the change may be to your  advantage.  We are all in usual health- Kate was with us three days last week.  She seemed to enjoy her visit very well and would have stayed longer but that her mother was unwell and sent for her.  I found myself unable to do the work on my little farm and to build at the same time and dig a well a cellar and as to hiring that is out of the question- besides this building in materials and mechanical wages are so high that it would cost a little fortune to build much in these times.  I have therefore bought  Mrs. Waites home  place (the house barn and eight lots) for $500. and should soon move there.  The addition to the house which we now occupy I shall either sell or move over and make a barn and grainarey of it.
The Lewis ch___ place has not yet been sold.  It has  been on the market for some months past and whether it can be bought now or not I do not know.  I will ascertain in a day or two-  How would you like the Cameron farm in the same vicinity, provided the others cannot be had-  I am not personally acquainted with either of them but will go and see them if they are for sale- Are  you acquainted with section 16 in Washington Township- It is to be sold in September on the usual terms of school land sales.  It has been appraised at from $2. to $4 1/2 per acre- but it is said will sell for more-
I hardly think it will be much of an object to attend the sale I got all my grain  ___ in good order and have some hay at home-  I think of going to Wisconsin after a while to see if I can get something from D.S.H. either horses, colts, wagon harness or some other property that I can make available as I see no prospect of ever getting any money from him and do not know as I can get anything-
If I do go I shall talk to Bob like a “Dutch Uncle” of your affairs with him- 
 Nothing of special interest in the way of news since my last-  The late call for 500,000 men creates quite stir among the stay at homes who are subject to the draft-  I do not think our county is much behind but I like to see them squirm. If Chickasaw Township should lack any a local bounty will be made up to induce Volunteering-
Tucker is with Shermans army in Georgia.  I. A. Albertson, Z. Bigalow and Jo Tucker are to leave in a few days to join him.  This region of the country was never more healthy at this season of the year than now-  Doc. does not find his reception as great as while in the army-  He is talking of trying to get  a situation in some service where Uncle Sam will again become paymaster.
I do not know in what capacity.  I am afraid their manner of his discharge will be rather against his getting such a situation as he would be willing to accept-  Now I wish your third year was as near completed as the second really is- But I see no way but that we shall have to wait with what  patience we can another year-  Should the happy day ever arrive that we can all be reunited we’ll it not indeed be a time of rejoicing- 
 But I must  bring  this to a close-  Love from us all with best wishes for your health, prosperity and safe return to us
With  Sincere  Affection
Your Father
R. Baldwin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/17/63

Original: Susie Harris

Camp 38”  Iowa Infantry
Near New Orleans
Aug 17th 1863

Dear Kate
	Every thing is in confusion around here- we having just  got off from the boat and came up to where our camp is to be while we remain here- It is a very pretty shady place a little way from the bank of the river and 5 miles above the city.  The ___  ___ down and back from here at all hours of the day so that one can go down when we wish without walking-  
We left Port Hudson on the evening of the 15th and a glad lot of boys we were to get away from that sickly hole- perhaps this may be no better but certainly it will not be worse-  Over thirty men from our Regt. died while we were there- Capt. Tinkham died at 25 minutes to one on the morning of the 14th- I have just finished writing to his wife about him- but did not tell her that he was dead for the reason that she had never been written too that he was sick- I should have done it but Capt. did not say any thing about it while sensible and it would have done no good afterwards for I could not have mailed the letter until we came here- I told her that he could not live if there was not a change with him soon and for her to be prepared to hear of his death at any time-  I will write to her so that the letter will get to her by the next mail after the one  telling of his sickness and give her all the particulars concerning his death-  It will be a terrible blow to her-  little did she think when at New Madrid last spring that what time she remained with him there was to be all the time that she ever would -  His death has created a feeling of sadness throughout the Co.  that show to all how much  the boys loved him.  He was buried under a tree in an old field where several others had been buried.  We could not get a coffin for him nearer than New Orleans and so we got some boards and made a box-  It looked hard yet it was all that could be done-  All that had died before except the Col.  were buried without anything but a blanket around them-
Eighty have died in the Regiment since the 1st of July-
 Co. “C” boys are as well as any in the Reg.  There is but four with us very sick- T. E. Mills Huffman Henderson and Wiler(?)- Two or three more are down yet I think they will get well- I think those that are convalescent will soon be better that is if they don’t eat themselves to death- Vegetables of all kinds are plenty and cheap-  It is more difficult to keep the men from eating to much than anything else-  We can get ice so that the river water that we have to drink is made to taste pretty well- I received notice this morning that Bill Cole  deserted from St. Louis May 20th-
 I received seven letters the morning that we left Port Hudson- Four from you dated June 13th, 29th July 10th and July 30.  Two from father dated June 13” and 29” and one from Em of June 16th- I was very glad to get them even though that some had been long on the way.  You tell about sending your picture- as yet I have not seen it- How did you send it in a letter or did you have it put in a case- I can’t see what has become of it- I want to see it real bad- 
Six of our boys came down from Vicksburg the morning that we left Port Hudson.  They say that Billy Cotant is very sick and that he cannot live- Poor boy I wish he was at home- Tom is very down hearted now- He came to me yesterday and said that as I was in command of the Co. I ought to put him back into his old place- I told him that if it was the company wish that I would do so- I knew that I was safe in saying so for they do not want him back again-
 I do not feel the heat any more if do as much as I did at Vicksburg- I am able to be around as usual- some days I feel bad and down and then I will come up again and be all right
There will be some promotions in Co.”C” in a day or two- I guess I won’t  tell you who will be  Capt. until then- I’ll let you guess- 
But I must not write more now for I have other things to see to that need my care- I will write again in a day or two and give you more particulars about what is going on here-
I shall go down to the city in a few days and will try and get something to send you- I wish I could see you-  
Excuse mistakes for I have wrote hurriedly-
Give my respects to Don and Harriett- If you see a little girl called Katie B. up there kiss her for me and send me  the kiss- with much love
I remain as ever your
Horace

Direct as you have done- I get letters more regular than any other one in the Co.
New Hampton boys are tolerably well
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/20/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Regt. Iowa Infty
Near New Orleans , La.
Aug 20” 1863

Dear Kate
	I have not time to write much this morning but will make up for it next time- We are to be paid two months pay to day and you may rest assured that we are a glad set of boys for we have not seen a “green back” of our own for a long time-  We have got every thing fixed up in camp and are all beginning to feel better- Co. “C” boys are all improving fast except those that have got down very low and they are no worse- if not better- I am feeling the best this morning that I have done for two weeks past- I am in hopes to continue improving so that when I come home I shall be strong and hearty.  I have written to Mrs Tinkham about the Captains Tinkham’s  death.  It was the hardest thing that I have had to do since I have been in the war.  Poor woman she is to be pitied- but she is no worse off than many others- nor so bad for she has no little ones to provide for- But I cannot write more this morning as I have to make out some papers immediately-  The recommends has gone on to fill the office of Captain- who do you suppose the man was I will tell you- Horace C. Baldwin- Do you think that he will make a good one-
	But I must  close excuse this short and poorly written sheet and I will do better in future.
With love oh so much
I kiss you and _____
Ever Yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/23/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Vol Infty
Carrollton, La.
Sunday August 23- 1863

Dear Kate
	I cannot let the day pass dear one without writing a few lines to you and letting you know how we fare away down in the land of cotton and Negroes- For my part I am pretty well better than I have been any time since the 1st of July-  I am not so fleshy as I was then nor so strong but I feel first rate- I act as Adjutant yet and the major is very good to me never requiring me to do any thing when I do not feel able to do it-  The weather  thus far has not troubled me any- for the reason that I do not go out into the sun but little-  I take as good care of myself as I know how- never eating anything that will affect me for the worse-  The health of the boys of Co “C” has not improved much- They have an opportunity of buying every thing they wish and the most of them are very careless- eating more than they ought too and such things as will not agree with them in this climate-  I go among them and talk to them about it and the answers that I generally get is that they have not had any thing that they could eat before coming here and now they are agoing to live while we stay here-  there is but four or five in the whole company that is fit for duty-  William Rumbaugh(?) of North Washington is the sickest man that we have-  He has been in___enable for ___ days past and does not appear to be any better to day-  I do not think that he can live unless there is a change soon-  ____ ___ Dupas- Loveless- Lyman- Huffman- Henderson- Keith- King-  Weiler- Mills- Milmmie(?) and Stowell are to be sent to the St Louis Hospital in New Orleans to day-  It is a nice place and they can have every attention that they need-  Rich Carkins and Roby are both pretty sick I never saw either of them so low-  they will both go to the hospital in a day or two-  Tom Cotant looks pretty bad and is considerably reduced with Diarrhea-  he keeps around all the while though-  I could go on and mention the names of many more that are about the same but we do not call them very sick and I  wont stop to particularize-  Johnston and Tyler both keep pretty hearty-  The average number of deaths per day in the Regt. since August 1st will be about three -  Our company has only lost one, 
Tinkham-  The most of the boys that were left at Vicksburg have been sent up the river-  I learned this morning from a man just from there that Billy Cotant had gone up and that he was a little better-  I do hope that he will live to get home-  the last month has been the hardest times that I ever saw-  men dying around with disease from three to four every day and then to see the poor fellows lying scattered about under their little shelter tents with the sun pouring down upon them- has been enough to make the stoutest of hearts sink with despair-  However I have kept up and although it has made me feel bad to see it- I have never allowed myself to get downhearted-  It is almost sure death for a man to get discouraged- many have died from almost no other cause-  Men have been taken sick and would not be  considered very dangerous when they would give up and say that they could not live and would not try too-  While other men that would be a great deal worse would keep up in spirits and in many instances get well-  I think that if we can be allowed to remain here a month or two and can keep the men from eating themselves sick that we will come up and be a shadow of what the proud 38th once was-  But I expect that all that can move will have to leave this week for some where-  I presume Mobile- As we received orders the other day to have all those that could go in marching order.  The major immediately had the men examined and found that there was twenty six men and five officers that were fit to go-  I was left out on the account of not being able - to stand marching-  I do not know what will be done now-  I can only think- and that is that it will be poor  policy to take any away until we get recruited up-  I have not been down to the city yet-  But think of going tomorrow -  I would like to have you here to go along for I know that there is enough to be seen to pay well for the trouble of going to see it- 
 I received your ever  welcome letter of the 5th  night before last and oh Kate you may imagine that I was a happy boy-  I was quite surprised to hear of your being at Chickasaw again-  Surely you must be falling in love with the Tom or somebody else-  why you go as often as I used to when I had a pretty girl there to await my coming-  I shall not be in any hurry when I come home about trying to get farther than Chickasaw for I shall almost be sure of finding you there- Oh no I do not think that you go any to often that is if you like to go and it is pretty good evidence that you do or you would not go so often- Nothing gives me more pleasure than to know that you and my people are on good terms- for they are next to you in my affections-  I am quite disappointed at not getting your  picture- yet I have hopes that it may come yet-  You ask why I do not talk of resigning- why it will be time enough to do that when I make up my mind to do so-
The Captain being gone and Lieut. Green sick as he has been since July 1st leaves me alone with the boys and if I should resign they would  feel as though they were deserted= no no Kate  I started with them and they put me where I am and I will not leave them so long as my staying will be of any benefit to them-  I have been recommended for Captain and they will think that they have _____ upon me than ever if I become satisfied that I cannot stand it here and cannot be of more use to the Co. I shall resign at once- I had thought to have done so ___ this but so far I have been as well as the most of the men and I did not think that I should do right if I quit- nor do I believe that as much  as you love me that you would want me to do so-  When I come home I want  to be as good a man as I left with- 
 Do you think that Ben Moran and Hannah Rurmion(?) will make a match-  Is Hannah as tall as ever=  
You did not get what you needed if you did not get whipped on your birth day-  I forgot on what day it came whether the 3rd or 5th until your letter came-  I’ll  try and remember here after- The report  about my being whipped by Frank Loveless is all false-  We are and always have been good friends-  He and Colonel Clark, Adjutant of the 26 Indiana Vols had a quarrel which I presume has been mistaken by some one writing home to be the Adjutant of the 38th.
  I dont care a cent about your sending me a little love-  I can take five _____ and go down to the city and buy all that I want-  and I will too if you don’t send me more in you next-  Are you a good girl now that I am away-  It is almost a year since I first left you-  How  fast the time has gone-  almost a year since you were Katie Baldwin-  I wonder if Mrs. W and Co. are satisfied that it was not like they said that caused me to marry you-  I hear your spoken of with respect by all that have any thing to say about you-  It makes my heart swell with pride to know that I possess the love of so good a woman as you are- may I never commit an act to render me unworthy of so great a gift-  
 We received our pay since we came here-  I would send some home had I a good opportunity-  I want to keep enough by me so that in case anything happens that I shall have plenty to help myself with-  I have seen the need of it-  But I have written this sheet about full-  I could write more but I will devote the balance of my time on writing to father-  Give my love to your father and mother and accept a large quantity for your self- and any amount of kisses -  
Write often dear for I love to hear from you- I will write every chance-
 Ever Yours 
Horace

I ate raisins while writing this is one reason that it is so dirty
Monday morning finds me quite well

True Marrill (?)of North Washington- but a member of Co K 38” died on Friday morning
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/26/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Vol Infantry
Carrollton, La.
August 26,  1863

Dear Kate
	According to promise I write you a line this morning although I have nothing of importance to communicate further than that I am as well as usual and in good spirits- Since I wrote last our company has lost another one of its members- Mr. C. Roby.
I wrote to your father yesterday morning telling him about his death and asking him to go and see Mrs. Roby and break the sorrowful news to her as I did not like to write directly to her until after she had heard of his death through other sources.  I want you to go and see her and do all that you can to help console her now in her hour of trouble.  Truly her lot will be a hard one- and oh what will become of those seven little fellows that were wholly dependent upon their father earning for support- Tis indeed a sad picture to look upon- I never thought for a moment that he was agoing to die so soon- He told me but a little while before he died that he felt better.  He did not look to be much sick- although he had been with Diarrhea for some time.  We had a dozen more men that appeared to be much worse than he did.  I fear that we shall lose more of our Co. if there is not a change with some of them for the better soon.
Rich Carkins is pretty low and also J D Kearth- The most of the worst cases were moved to New Orleans to a hospital last night and the remainder will go this morning- Burnbaugh(?) and others that I mentioned in my last as being bad off are I think better- I hope they may get along.  Tom Cotant is better- Sam Kephart is quite sick yet not what could be called dangerous- Tyler and Johnston are hearty as usual.  Four men died in other companies yesterday, two from Co. “D”- I thought when we came here that the health of the men would improve but such is not the case.  The Reg. is losing men as fast now as when we were at Port Hudson.  I think it is healthier here than at any place that we have been since leaving New Madrid- but the men are so frustrated by disease contracted during the Vicksburg siege that they do not recover in this climate- nor is there much hope of their doing so until cool weather comes- and besides they are very careless about taking care of themselves-  many eating trash that they know will injure them- Preparations are being made for sending all the well troops away from here where I do not know.I do not think that the 38th will go at present for there is not over thirty men in it reported for duty this morning.  News was received here yesterday that Charleston was taken but we do not believe it yet-
 I have not received any letters since I last wrote- It seems hard to have to wait so long- The last that I had from you was dated the 5th Aug.  almost a month ago.
I dreamed last night that a large mail came and that I had several letters and the best of all was that I thought your picture came- But I can’t spare the time to write more this morning
I only intended sending you three lines when I commenced.
Hoping that I shall hear from you soon and that you are well
I close- with love and kisses all that I have got
Good Bye
Ever Yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/28/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Infty
Carrollton, La.
Aug 28” 1863

Katie Dear
	I have just learned that a steamer is going up the river this evening therefore I will write you three lines this morning to go by it- so that you may hear from me at as late a date as possible- I am feeling the best that I have done for a long time- Every one notices the change and when they meet me (those that know me I mean)” they universally say why Baldwin how much better you are looking”.  The health of my boys as they are now called is about the same- I have not heard from those sent to New Orleans for two days- Rich says that he feels the best this morning that he has done for a long time- Sergeant Horing(?) is now the worst case that we have- He has the Typhoid Fever and is very low - I shall try and have him sent to the hospital to day- Lieut. Green is in the hospital- He has made application for leave of absence to come home- and I think will get it-  He never will get well if he stays here-
 I received your letter of the 8th night before last- and you may rest assured that I was a happy boy- I am glad that you go to Chickasaw so often for it shows that you and my people are on good terms- You may rest assured that I shall take care of myself and that I will come if it is possible for me to do so if I am taken  sick- I would like very much to be with you this fall but do not think that I can but never  mind we will be enough happier when I do come-
 I have three hundred and twenty five dollars laid away to send home as soon as I am paid again- I would send it now but I do not like to be without plenty of money by me to help myself with in case of need- I have enough to use without it: and so will not use any of it unless occasion should require it-On Monday I shall have two months more pay due-
 I have not been to the city yet but am going down before long- It is said that our Regiment is to remain here until the health of the men improves- I hope so for I have seen enough of moving sick men around- General Banks is to review all the troops here tomorrow but I must close for the mail is to leave for Brigade Hd. Quarters in a moment-
You must excuse the length of this and I will try and write more next time
Give my respects to your father and mother- Tell the boy’s friends that they are all right so far as I know-
With one sweet kiss and love by the bushels adieu
Ever yours
Horace

HOPE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08/31/63

Original: Susie Harris

No. 200 I guess

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Vol Infantry
Carrollton,  La.
August 31 1863

Katie E Baldwin 
Dear Kate
	I have just finished writing to Mrs. Roby and now before I go to bed must write a line to you to pay for the two good and long ones that I have received since I wrote last- I must say that I thank you very much for them- on the account of their bringing the good news of your continued good health- But I think that paper must be getting very scarce or else your money is and you cannot afford to spend much and so have began to lessen your expenditures and commenced by buying small sheets of paper to write letters to your husband on- If such is the case please inform me in your next and I will get some of this size and send you- I had a great mind to cut off three lines and fill them in payment for those of yours but again I thought that would be to bad and that I would go the other way and send you a big one- You complain of having nothing to write - why if I were there and had no more to do than you have I would write a sheet like this full every day-
 I have to be Adjutant and look out for the company too and between them both I have my hands full- I have worked all day notwithstanding that it is Sunday fixing up the company books as there has to be a settlement of them while Tinkham was alive and before I take charge of the Co. as Captain- I would not have done it to day but with the last day of a month a lot of work comes into the Adjutant’s office which has to be attended to at once and it generally takes a week.  Steady work to do it- I did not feel like writing to Mrs. Roby this evening but I could not put it off any longer- I would like to have sent a better letter but my ideas were all scattered and I could not do it- Poor woman how I pity her- Her life now will be one of continued trials unless friends assist her very much- But she is not alone with her grief this war is every day adding new ones to the list  and will continue to  do so as long as it lasts- There has been over one hundred deaths in the 38th since Aug 1st and still there are many more that are very sick- It was indeed an unfortunate day for us when we were ordered to leave New Madrid but still it could not be helped we came expecting to have to go where we were called let the consequences be what they might and are now only fulfilling our destiny-
A good streak of luck came for a few yesterday in the shape of an order that all the worst cases in camp should be examined by the surgeon and those that were unfit for service discharged and those that were not furloughed for sixty days- sixteen of our Co were marked three for discharge and 14 for furlough- besides those in New Orleans hospital-  they will probably be sent up the river as fast as they get well enough to travel- That takes the most of the sick- those remaining not having much the matter with them- Rich Carkins was the only New Hampton boy marked to go- And I fear that it has come to late- He is very low with diarrhea and I should not be surprised to hear of his death at any moment- He told me this evening- that he thought his stay on earth was nearly at an end and that he should never see Iowa again- I talked to him and cheered him up- and left him with the thought that his words were but to true- I have hopes that he may get well- if the surgeon succeeds in checking his diarrhea and it does not bring on fever he may live- I have seen worse cases than his get well- and those no so bad die- Sergeant Horing(?) is still alive but much worse- His fever is not broken and unless it is soon he will not live.  I have not seen the boys that were sent to the hospital- They are five miles below New Orleans- which makes the distance so great that I can not go down very often.  I am going down as soon as I can get time- I heard from them since they went down they were then doing well= There was two gentlemen badly used up because they had kept so healthy- but there was no making the surgeon believe that they were bad enough off to send them up the river- I mean Tom Cotant and Johnston- Tom thought sure that he would get to go- I have got entirely out of patience with him- He won’t  take a particle of care of himself- Sometimes I think that he does it on purpose to make himself sick so that he can be discharged-
I saw by the Dubuque Times that came last that another of our Co that was sent up the river had died- His name was George W. Denniston and his home at Bradford- He was sent from Port Hudson I did not think that he could live when he left- He was one of the best boys in the Co- His chum John Wright of Chickasaw will be discharged on the account of a swelling on the hip that prevents his being able to walk.  He to is a noble boy
Some men that were left at Vicksburg came down last night- They say that all those left there of our Co have been sent up the river except Trask- He had been very low but was still alive but nothing left of him but skin and bones- Our Company is getting badly scattered.
Your two letters were dated Aug 12th and 15th- why I think you are having strange doings in New Hampton- I should think that Beach would feel thankful for having found out that many was a girl of that stamp(?) before matters had gone  farther between her and Earl- did I not always say that she was not as virtuous as many supposed- and so Reynolds says that he dare all that he wanted to- You had better believe I laughed some when I read that- It sounded just as you used to talk and I could picture you saying it and that he was a “mean fellow” I don’t believe many thought so and presume that you would not had you have been in her place would you- And so things are coming to a crisis with Young and Amelia- why if matters keep on so I shall have to insists upon your leaving New Hampton and going where there is not so many bad men- be very careful and never let me hear such a report about you- I am true to you and have no fear but that you are to me- I wonder what Billy Werner thinks of the men now- I do hope he will have to stay his three years out- Tell Mrs Dupas if you see her not to worry about Jo for he is getting along finely- A letter came from her in the last mail making inquires as to what had become of him-
 I should like to be there to eat a dish of tomatoes and cream with you but must lay that away with other pleasures to be enjoyed at some future time-  
The troops all remain here yet.  It is thought that they will begin to move this week- I have not learned whether we are to go along or not-  There is no news of importance here- The weather continues hot during the day with cool night= Co “K” lost a man in camp last night- Co”D” has lost twenty two since leaving New Madrid- I am in pretty good health- not as hearty as I have been but still able to be around all the while. I have gained a few pounds in flesh since we came here-
 I thought to have been able to have filled this sheet when I commenced but guess that I shall have to leave a small blank space for I have not time to write more- Tyler wished me to say that he was well and feeling as he used to when he went to see Rebecca.
Give my respects to Don and your mother- I thank you very much for those sweet kisses and send you a thousand in payment for them- 
“How about those large hoops is it not about time for them to be reduced in size” I have been away almost 10   months- yes I remembered the 9th day of August as being one of the happiest of my life- I have not had a letter from father since I came here but look for one by every mail- now when you get this write me as long a one in return- anything from Iowa is news to me and you need not be afraid of tiring me with reading- as the reading of your letters is one of my pleasantest past times- But  I am almost at the bottom without knowing it and will have to stop- Be a real good girl for heaven sake- I will =write often and try and tell all concerning____________________________________________
I close- with love oh so much and one sweet kiss
Affectionally yours
Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09/04/63

Original: Pat Stevens

Waverly, Iowa
Sept. 4th 1863

Kind Friend
	I wish to write to you to thank you for your kind ____ in writing to one and watchful ___ and kind treatment bestowed upon my husband while sick.  I feel as if everything was done that could be while he was sick.  If he was in the hands of Dr. Hart I know all that could be done was done with a ready and willing heart.  If I had ever thought that perhaps he would die I now should be better able to bear up under this my first great bereavement  but  never would I allow myself to think otherwise than  that he would return to home and wife he was always so strong in his belief that he should come home.
I cannot give him up and in my  __________ I cry out cruel, cruel  I wish he could have been sent home.  I hope I can be able to go and have his remains brought home this fall. 
 I did not hear of his sickness, not one word until your letters came.  I received them the 30th of August.  I wish to thank all who took an interest in caring for him while sick and my prayer is that should any of you be sick that you may receive the same.  The last letter I had from him was written Aug. 1st.  I think he must have written more can you tell me whether he did or not.  You will settle up his affairs will you not.  I presume there are some accounts in his Co. not concerned with government please see to the whole, will write to Mr. Barron requesting him to assist you.
Thanking you all again I will close hoping you may be spared to return home to your friends .
I remain your friend
Mrs. Tinkham

P.S. I have written a good many letters to Mr. Tinkham- please send them to me

Another small piece of paper was attached:
Capt. Tinkham
died at Port Hudson, La.
Aug. 14, 1863
Horace Baldwin’s
Company Descriptive Book
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09/06/63

Original: Susan Harris

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Vol Infantry
Carrollton, La.
September 6th 1863

Dearest Kate
	Another Sunday has come and as I have nothing of importance to do will pass away the day in writing to you and father- One year ago to day as you will remember by the day of the week I left you to come and fight the battles of our country thinking that before a year elapsed that there would be no further need of my services and that I should be at home again- But time has shown how wrong I was in my judgment - the war being but little nearer ended than when I left-  True we have gained some important victories and the prospect is flattering to have more but with all these in our favor the future does not really look bright. The rebels are getting more desperate and determined at every  loss they sustain and I fear that it will be many a day before we get them entirely conquered. 
 The news from Charleston  this morning is very encouraging- The report is that the Stars and Stripes again float over Fort Sumpter and that our forces are shelling the city- I do hope that such is the case and that they will keep on until there is not a building left standing- It has always been the biggest treason hole in the Confederacy and is deserving of no mercy at our hands- If we get possession of it I do not know but that I shall be compelled to change my mind in regard to the closing of the war and say that the prospects of its doing so is quite flattering- I shall not morn the time comes for I have seen enough to satisfy me in the last three months.  I could come home and settle down and be contented for the balance of my life if there was any chance for me to do so but so long as I am well and hearty I cannot and do not want to come and leave the boys that started because I came-  They felt their trust in me and it shall never be said that I betrayed it by leaving them when I was able to stay.
 I am very well- the best that I have been since I was hurt at New Madrid.  I am gaining in flesh every day and begin to look quite matured-  My cheeks are filling up so that dimples are to be seen in them again and they are getting as red as when I was at home- My appetite is first rate and we have plenty to eat and thats good enough for any soldier- Sweet potatoes and bread and butter is my living- and I am very careful about eating too much always leaving the table hungry- That is one great trouble with the men they have an idea that they can eat as much here as when at home but it will not do so well in this climate and of the kind of food they get- I talk to my boys about it but they say that they must eat what they want and the result is that there is not but four or five well ones in the Co. - There has been no deaths since I last wrote.  Rich Carkins is no better.  I do not think he will last many days longer.  He is very rational and keeps in good spirits- which has been the means of keeping him alive this far.  There is a chance for him to get well- if his diarrhea could only be stopped but all efforts of the surgeon to do it have so far been _____ effect-  You would not know him were you to see him- His flesh is all gone and he looks like a skeleton- He wants you to tell his mother if you see her that she is not forgotten- and that he is very sick and cannot write to her- I have wrote once for him and will again soon- Sergeant Horning is no better- his fever is not broken and he fails all the while- T.D.Cotant has accomplished what he wanted - that is make himself sick so as to get a furlough-(which he cannot do) and is now in a bad fix-  I do not think him at all dangerous but  a very little would make him so- He has to be helped up and down and when a man gets as low as that in camp- it does not take much to end him- There are no others that are very sick in camp- Those in hospital are doing well except Mil____ and Huffman- Their chances for their getting well are very slim- Dupas is doing well- Tyler-Johnston-Kephart and Statton are around and the two former well.  It is anything but pleasant to have the men so down since Tinkham’s death they have looked to me for all that was necessary to make them comfortable and between that and this office I have enough to do-
 I have tried to be relieved from here but the Major will not let me go- He is not partial at all on military matters and as I have acted Adjutant so long and have got well acquainted with the business- he keeps me to see to things- I do just about as I please with every thing and can go when and where I please, so far as his authority extends.  Lieut  Green’s resignation put in another and continue to do so until one is accepted- He can not get well here for the reason that he does not take any care of himself- Six men died in Co. “G” last week- They have lost twenty two men since leaving New Madrid- about a hundred and fifty have died in the Regiment since leaving there- I learned yesterday that Ore(?) Hill of our Co. died at St. Louis, but do not really credit the story yet- He lived near Fredericksburg- I have not heard from any of the the boys left at Vicksburg lately- All of the 13th Army Corps except our Reg. and the  sick of others left two days ago on a ten day expedition out into the country- I did not learn the object of their going but I think it was to confiscate negroes and cotton- General Herron was in command- General Grant is in the city now- He was injured by the falling of his horse then days ago- He with General Banks reviewed the 13th Army Corps on Thursday last.  Our Reg. did not turn out for the reason that we could only raise about thirty men able to go-
 I received your two letters of the 18th and 21st since I last wrote- also a few lines from father- I was deeply grieved to hear of his ill health- I have seen so many cases like his prove fatal within the last month that I am almost afraid to hear from home again for fear that his may do the same- I am hopeful that my fears are groundless as he said that he was better- I wish I could be there during his sickness- 
How was it that you said nothing about it-Had you not heard of it.  I never saw such little short letters as you do write is it getting to be hard work for you to write to me- If so you may quit and only write when you feel like it- I love to write to you and the longer I write the more I love to- It seems to me that you have the head ache quite often of late.  What is the cause- is your health failing you- If so let me know and I will come home at once-
Your picture has not come yet and I have given up looking for it- It must have fallen into some young man’s hands and he has fallen in love with it- I wish I could be there with you this evening, would we not be happy- We are a long ways apart- Who would have thought when I enlisted that I would be in New Orleans in a year.  The weather is not so warm as it has been and I can hardly believe it yet.  If such is the case I do not know what will become of us for Chadwick is no more fit to command than an old woman would be. 
 I want______’s note  attended to. When it becomes due have Don see to it for you.  Tell him I would like a melon if it is not putting him to too much trouble to hand it to me.  I am fixed up to day.  I put on the last of the shirts that I had made last fall this morning.  It looks real nice and reminds me of home.  I would have you get flannel and make me a couple if there was any way to get them but as it is I shall have to buy them here. 
 Do you hear anything about _____ _____ ____ ____.  I am expecting to hear that they are married every mail.  If they are not soon I shall begin to think________ is not good at catching husbands.  How does Sam Wood and wife flourish now days.  Does she look as fresh as when I saw her last.  What has become of _____ and Mary.  I have not heard of them lately.  How does Cantley(?) and Mary Ann prosper.  Does Julius Arnold live there yet.  Do things look as they used to around New Hampton.  I fancy they do not.
The Co. office being moved and McCullon having a store where it used to be ____ _____ called Mrs Bumby(?) my acquaintances. 
 I guess people are satisfied  now  that I was not compelled to marry you for reasons asserted by some.  What does Mary Werner do for a living now.  Does she follow the business that she has started in.  If so tell her and Amelia to come down here and they will find more customers.
  Does Don  shoot as many chickens as he used to.  Can your mother cook as well as ever.  Tell her that I shall board with her the first year after I come home to pay for having to live as hard as I have done for the past one.  Has she regained her health. Give her my best wishes and say to her that I thank her for taking so good care of you.  Has Jerry Hunt come as usual.  Tell him that I could pick out a pony for him that would just suit him. Is Ruthy as mischievous as ever and has Mary forgotten how to cry- You see that although I am away and am seeing new sights every day I remember home don’t you.  I could sit down and tell all about things as they used to be just as well today as ever I could- Even to the way that I got my first kiss  from you. But I have wrote this sheet  full and if I write more I will have to pay double postage and I cannot afford that until I get more postage stamps.
I supposed surely that four pages would have been enough for me to write to you at one time- but in that I am mistaken for I have already filled them and have now more to write- I stopped to rest after finishing them and took a stroll up through the company and finally brot up at our company officers tent  just in time for supper and to find that after I left the Adjutants Office the mail came in  and brot me a - a letter you say- No sir it was not a letter but what was better the picture of my beloved wife. The boys wanted me to open it then but I told them no not until I had ate supper for I knew that if I did open it the supper would do me no good,  and I was not agoing to lose that on any condition.  Why- Kate I never saw such a change- I could not at first believe it was you- such a fat chubby girl.  I never for a moment thought that you could alter so much- All the boys that knew you said it looked just like you- but when I showed them the one I brought with me they changed their minds and said as I did that you did not look as you did when we last saw you- Truly a year makes great changes with us all in looks and every thing else.  A year has left its mark plain upon me in the lines upon my face and in my feelings- You may have thought me quiet and solemn when I was there but to see me now you would think that I had grown more reserved than ever.  To have the cares that I have had during that time is enough to leave its mark upon any one.  
The Adjutants Office is a perplexing place and more but the coolest and best of business men can get along and do the business.
 I am truly glad to see you looking as well and hearty as you do- and I must say that I never saw you looking so good.  Everyone praises you and says that you are a splendid looking woman.  A compliment dearest that I think you every way deserving of- and you had better believe that my heart swells with pride to hear you thus spoken of- I am proud to know that I possess the love of such a good and true hearted girl- and would not for the world exchange it for any other on earth.  I think you would have looked better in a dark dress although the one you had does first rate- I can see that you have improved in your tastes and the manner of arranging your dress- your ____ dress appears to be a very nice one and your collar is beauty itself.  You know I always fancied a pretty collar- your hair has grown longer- I should think or else you have learned to do it up better- it looks real good.  Your skin has whitened out some I should think and then your cheeks are so much fuller- I used to think that you looked more like your father- but now I can see more of your mother’s looks in you- oh it makes me homesick to look at you- to think that I am compelled to stay away and lose the love and tender caresses that I do- and those lips dear Kate could I only be where I could feel their loving touch how happy I should be.  You may rest assured that mine shall never be polluted by the embrace of another so long as I  have you dearest one to love- and well am I assured that you will remain the same fine true and loving that I left- I should not want to live a moment if I thought different- oh how happy we will be if we are permitted to meet again- love in a cottage is my motto- in preference to wealth without love.  I am so glad that we were married before I left.  I believe getting married helped your looks wonderfully- I do not wonder that father praises you when he writes- Would you exchange places with any one that you know- Are you sorry that you wed Horace Baldwin.  Did I not always tell you that I would put you in a position worthy of your goodness-
 But I have written enough for this time and will draw my scribbling to a close- I cannot tell you how much I thank you for your picture.  You will have to wait until I come home and then I will show you- I send you ten thousand kisses and love- oh so much- I am prouder of you today than ever.  Be a real good girl for my sake as I love you so much that I cannot hear the thought of your being anything else than good- I can hardly stop looking at you long enough to finish this.  I have kissed your picture many times but it does not return them  as you used to.  
Write often and direct as you have done. Don’t you call this a short letter. It seems as though I could not stop writing to you- But I must and so I’ll bid you good bye now
With a kiss I remain your
 Horace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09/13/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38” Iowa Vol Infty
Carrollton  La
Sept 13-1863

My Dearest Kate
	I have just returned from a pleasure excursion and am so tired that I can hardly sit up yet I cannot go to bed until I have written a few lines to you the dearest creature of all women- I presume that you will want to know where I have been to enjoy myself in this far off land and to gratify your curiosity I will tell you.  Early this morning Major Chadwick came to me and said the Surgeon Hart and himself were going out to Lake Pontchartrain which is about eight miles from our camp on an excursion trip and that there would be room in the ambulance for me and that they would be glad to have me go along- I of course was willing to do so as camp life has but few charms for me now that so many are sick, and I was glad to avail myself of anything for a change. So at about nine o’clock we started all fixed up in our best clothes and looking as well pleased as ever any set of men could at being allowed to have one days time to themselves away from the scenes of sorrow that now prevail throughout our camp.  I had a collar on for the first time since leaving you on the 25th of _______. We had a pleasant ride through the streets  Carrollton which by the way is not really a town but the residences of people doing business in the city of New Orleans and who live out in the suburbs- there is some elegant places and their gardens are magnificent- after we passed there we came to a low swampy country where man or beast would be in danger of losing their lives should they leave the road- We arrived at the lake at eleven and once more I  looked upon blue salt water- I was greatly surprised at the appearance of the place having been led to suppose that the shore was lined with their residences of the wealthy people of the city- but on the contrary I found only a marsh and a few saloons and eating houses set upon piles driven into the mud- A canal large enough for small boats runs from the lake to the city.  We looked around awhile and saw what was to be seen and then got our dinners and started for camp- The city can run out to the canal and by the time we had arrived there we had made up our minds to let the ambulance go up to Carrollton and wait for us- and we would go to the city and see what was going on there- I never saw anything that could compare with the splendor of some of the houses and yards that we passed- I did wish you could have been along to have seen them.  The city appeared to be alive with white dresses and handsome bonnets- I fell in love with one that I saw ahead of me on Canal Street and of course could not help thinking that La. much finery could not or would not be used by any other than a handsome woman and so I quickened my pace to overtake and pass her and then to make some excuse to look around and get a view of her lovely  features- I did so and “OH” horror of horrors what did I behold- an old black wench at least ten times as homely as Marie Mays- I never was so shocked in my life, I could not move for several minutes, and when I did it was to find the Major and tell him that I had seen all of the city that I wanted to and that I was ready and anxious to start for camp by the first train- and that ended my day of pleasure and I will leave you to judge whether I did not have a good time- I do not wish to have you think that I intended to desert you by wanting to see a womans face for such was not the case.  You know that I always liked to look at handsome women- but I am cured now and will never trust a handsome bonnet again- The most of the women here are pale and saloon looking-  They do not have that fresh healthy look that northern women do.  Once in a while you will meet one on the street that looks well- but perhaps during the time you will see a dozen homely enough to frighten a person that is not used to seeing them.
 There has been some talk of putting our Regiment in the city  this winter to do Provost Guard duty- I do hope such will be the case for then we will fare much better and have easier times than we will if we are compelled to march with the Division .
Three Divisions of the 13” Army Corps have left and gone up to Brashear City- It is said that the 2nd (ours) has been in a fight and got badly cut up but we do not believe it yet.  
The health of the Regiment has not improved much since I last wrote, Co “C” boys appear to be gaining a little Rich and Horning are better.  They are not out of danger yet but by their being careful it is hoped that they may live.  Tom is some better and I think in a fair way to get well.  Dupas is mending slowly although very weak yet- The rest of the boys are able to be around, four of them received furloughs and started for home yesterday.  They were Coffinger, Henderson, Lewis and Vantassell.  Capt. Beebe returned from Iowa yesterday.  He brought word that at Cairo he heard of the death of Colonel Hodnutt. If such is the case we have suffered a severe loss for he was a good officer and loved by all- There is not a man in the Regiment that is fit to fill his place.  He also brought word that  Edgington of our company died at Vicksburg- That makes eleven for us since the first of July.  About two hundred have died in the Regiment during that time. So you can see that we have suffered terribly.  I never saw so much sickness before- 
I have not had a letter from you for over a week and you may rest assured that I am getting anxious to hear from you- I am well as usual- I have gained ten pounds in flesh since we came here.  Lieut. Green cannot get his resignation accepted and will have to stay awhile longer- I wrote a letter to Mrs. Cotant  for Tom yesterday.  It won’t make you jealous will it.  I have to write for a number of the sick boys and even those in other companys they have sent for me to come and write for them- but I am getting sleepy and must close and go to bed-
You must excuse me for not writing a longer and better letter and I promise to make up all this lacks in my next.  Johnston   __________ he one of my best friends now.  He told a certain man the other day that he was wrong in using me as he had done, there is not a man in the Regiment that has more friends than I have.  Officers who would hardly speak to me a year ago are very glad to do so now- 
But good night and pleasant dreams- mine will be of you and future happiness
Here is a thousand burning kisses and love oh so much- be a good girl and rest assured that I will never do anything to make you wish that you had not married
Horace

Monday morning finds all about the same with the sick and well
Excuse mistakes for I have not had time to read this over
Horace
Tell Don to write
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09/20/63

Original: Susie Harris

Head Quarters 38th Iowa Vol Infty
Carrollton La
September 20th 1863

My Own Sweet Wife
	I know dearest Kate that your thoughts are with me and to show you that mine are with you I will write you a few lines to night before going to bed, though the news that I shall have to tell will be of but little importance other than that I am well as usual and in the best of spirits- To you I know that such news is more valuable than any other.  It seems to me that in every act of mine now that you are in some way connected with it, many and many a time well I start to do something and then your image will rise before me as plain as can be.  It may be because I am continually thinking of you.  I know that I should not have been as contented had I not married you as I am now. True by my doing so another new and dearest tie was left to mourn my absence and to make me love the comforts of home more than ever but at the same time it gave me another object to love and one that I could place my whole love upon and know that it was returned by a pure and true heart and one that let whatever befall me would stand by me and be the same.  To be sure I had a father and mother that would have done the same, but they are getting along in years and needed the whole of their time and care in making their  few remaining years as pleasant as possible for each other and could not bestow the love upon me that a wife could.  I have nothing to trouble me and never allow myself to be homesick long at a time, I know that you will be well cared for in case a stray  bullet prevents my coming home and I shall have the assurance that I was loved by a true woman,
 I have written two letters to day, one to Mrs. Morris in reply to the one you sent Rich ( I would like to know what right you have to write to young men) and the other to Mrs T. D.   You see that I confine my correspondence entirely with married women while you do exactly the reverse.  I am not jealous in the least however for Rich allowed me to read his and then gave me the privilege of answering it while I know that Annie will not let you read the ones I send her nor allow you to answer them, therefore I think I have a little ____ advantage and you may rest assured that I shall improve it,  Rich is some better than when I last wrote and I have hopes again that he may recover .  He sat up almost an hour to day and appeared more like himself than he has done for some time past, He says “ Horace you have got a good woman and one that will always be so,”  Poor boy I hope he may recover and get as good  a one, Tom is quite smart to day, and what is strange in good spirits, I never saw a man like him, his whole desire seems to be to get a furlough, I do not know that I am- right in my judgment, but if I am any judge one of his diseases is the itch, He showed me his arm to day and it was completely covered with little sores that looked very much as though that was what ailed him, Dupas was doing finely the last that I heard from him, Statton, Kephart, Tyler and Johnston are as well as usual. The remainder of the Co are doing finely. 
 If the  weather continues as cool as it is now they will all soon be well, we moved camp yesterday are are now camped half a mile east of Carrollton.  We have got things fitted up and like our new one about as well as we did the old one.  There is not so much shade but then we can see a great deal more which helps to make up for the loss of it.
My commission as Captain has not come yet but  I am looking for it in a few days.  I am seeing enough of the world to help recompense me for having to stay away so long.  If the news is true about  Rosecrans victory at Chattanooga and Gilmores at Charleston there will again be grounds for hope that another season my see us all at home.  There are a great many ___ash here fully two thirds of the inhabitants are of that class and I do not know but that the remaining third would willingly be were it not for their interest to be Union while the known cause is triumphant- They dare not show their treason in any form- and the only way that they can aid the rebels is with their sympathies- 
But I am getting sleepy and so will not attempt to write as long a letter this time as usual.  I have not had one from you since I last wrote but look for one tomorrow as a mail boat came down the river this evening
With kisses fresh from my heart and love oh so much I close and go to bed to dream of you
Good night  dearest
Ever your 
Horace

I am very well this Monday morning- have you been sick:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------