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Head Quarters, Co. A, 129th Ills. Vols.
Camp near Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 9th 1862

Dear Mary

I arrived in Camp from Picket Duty about 11 o’clock to-day & after dinner went to attend the funeral of a young man in the 111th Ohio Regt., who died last night.¹ After which I set down to write, but scarcely had commenced when the Bugle sounded for Dress Parade. I now hastily pen a line before preaching. I am in the enjoyment of good health, [also] Lieut. Smith. Capt. [Hoskins] has been complaining some to-day but is not very sick. We have had more on the sick list since in camp than when on the march, in fact more than 2 to 1 in one company. I cannot account for it, unless it be from want of exercise.

There is a camp rumor here to-day that we will go into Garrison for the Winter in Bowling Green. I hope it may be so, for, should we be paid off any time this fall, I think you would like to spend the winter with me. It would be a matter, however, of weighty consideration with you. Your own & the babe’s health must be carefully considered. However, it is as yet so uncertain that nothing should be concluded upon, & I should not be at all surprised at any moment to receive marching orders.²

You might think the matter over, but lay no plans or say anything until we know definitely. I hope to hear from you very soon. I had a letter from Chas. McGregor yesterday; kin folks are all well & Jennie & the babies doing well. Give my love to all.

Your affect. Husband
Frank

1. The 111th Ohio Infantry was one of the four regiments constituting Colonel Chapin’s 38th Infantry Brigade. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XVI, pt. II, p. 595. [↩]
2. To protect the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the army’s supply line, from raids by Confederate cavalry, required a large force which would be drawn from Thomas’ corps and Granger’s division. This information provided grist for the rumor that the 129th Illinois might spend the winter in and around Bowling Green. O. R., Ser. I, Vol. XX, pt. II, pp. 9, 11,20,31. [↩]