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Head Quarters, Company A, 129th Ills.
Camp near Shelbyville, Ky. Octr. 5th 1862

Dear Mary

I received your letter just before leaving Louisville & did not have time to answer it. We are about 35 miles from Louisville; left there at 4 o’clock on Friday & marched until 10 o’clock next morning. We camped at Bull Skin run on the field on which the battle was fought last Wednesday morning. We arrived here about 10 o’clock last night & scarcely had lain down until we were ordered out as pickets about 1 1/2 miles. One of us had to remain to take care of those coming in. As Smith & myself could not decide which should remain, both wishing to go with the Company, we cast lots & the lot fell upon me so I am in Camp this Sunday morning while nearly all the Company are on duty. We are all tired & sore, but I am one of the fortunate ones & feel very well. My health is quite good. I have found quite a number of old acquaintances in the Army here from Ohio, Pennsylvania & Illinois.

I was very happy to learn that you and baby were getting along so well. I scarcely expected you would be able to set up so soon. I felt like as if I should like to take you & baby both in my arms and carry [you] wherever you might wish to go. With regard to baby’s name, I do not wish to add any. If I should be fortunate enough to return home, I may suggest; but for the present, I wish you to satisfy yourself, & I shall be very happy to submit. With regard to naming children, I always felt that the name is something of an index to the character. I know it is only a notion.

I do not know how many men are with us, but there must be several thousand. The Board of Trade battery is very near us; Miller’s Battery is in the rear. I have not heard yet which will be attached to our Brigade.

I was sorry to hear that Bro. John was so sick & hope he will be able to join us soon. I sent my trunk by Express & hope it will arrive safe; I sent the Key by mail. I felt sorry to return so many things, but I could not take them with me.

I paid a visit to a house yesterday morning & also one this morning Sacked by our Army, & it made me heartsick; thousands of dollars worth of property destroyed that can be of no earthly use to the men. I surely do not blame any family for detesting the Army that will commit such depradations: Bureaus full of things sacred to a family broken to pieces & the contents scattered for rods around the house. I set down this morning to a splendid rosewood piano, as fine a toned one as I ever heard. It was covered with dirt; the ceiling had [been] broken by the bayonets of the men, & bruises & scratches from their guns, toilet & work boxes overlaid with shell & ornaments broken to pieces, & everything almost destroyed. The families, fearing for their lives, flying all over the Country. I could not depict all the horrors of war.

I shall have to see to our provisions. I may possibly have an opportunity to write again before we leave here. Give my love to all. I thought what a vast difference between these acres of men gambling & swearing & quiet Pontiac this beautiful Sunday morning. May God be with you & bless you all for which I shall ever pray. I shall be very happy to hear from you soon. I received all the letters you enclosed. I have been unable to answer the contents of your letter fully. I have written home twice since baby was born, both very hasty letters. I shall not forget, Dear Mary, to pray for you both. Give my love to Maggie & Mother. I intended to write to Bro. Utley but have not had time. Tell Johnie the Battery looks splendid. I left his things which Mother gave me with the Junior 1st Lieut. of his Battery. Write soon. Direct as before until we get into a more permanent Camp. Hoping God will bless & preserve you all until I return, I subscribe myself as ever

Your affect. Husband
Joseph F. Culver