1862
Camp Gilbert Ind - Sept the 13^th

Dear Friends
I received your
short letter about three days ago
and was glad to hear from you
infact it does me good to get a letter
from any of my old friends if it
is not longer than my finger I have
not got but too letters since I left home
and I have ritten a dozen any how
when I got your letter and Frants
I was in Louisville on A march
we then marched out of town some 20
miles East and sta Encamped for
the knight about one oclock in the
morning the long Roll was beat
and all hands had to turn out
the men was formed in line of Batle
[page 2]
and there stood untill about .9. oclock
in the morning us teamsters was ordered
back too miles and there and there
waited untill the Brigade past us
we then marched Back to our old
camp near Louisville we there stayed
all knight and the next Evening we
started again and marched to town
and crossed the Ohio river about
11 oclock over into Jeffersonville
and marched to the upperend of town
and camped right on the Bank of
the ohio river where we are now.
the steam boats pass us Ever day
the river is one mile wide here
that is a larger River than you Ever
seen. I guess a great many of the
boys give out on the march I was
glad that old Whit was teamster if
he did have to drive mules.
[page 3]
Jay openchain is my assistant
driver we drive six mules all of them
are wild but the near side leader
they can kick the chaw tobacco out
of a fellows mouth. you rote that
you had been to a dance we have
a dance Every night in camp
and the best music you Ever herd
and the Best dancing. we have no
girls to dance with and I cant dance
without a girl. we dont get to see many
wimen only the old dutch gals that
are pedling cakes and pies the Boys
talks very nice to them you know
as for my part I am Bashful I
cant talk to them any I think if
I stay in the army 3 years that I
will get my face hardened we Expect
to go to Cincinnati from here and there
we Expect to see the Elephant
[page 4]
Girls I want you to rite if you
want to and tell George and Lew
to answer them letters that I rote
to them give my Respects to George
and Mandy and all Enquiring friends
and keep a portion for your silves
I was sorry that you did not get
to go with me to Francisville
the day that I started but it cant
be helped I hope that I will see you
all again some day it may be along
time but I think it wont last longer
than spring. so good By girls for
this time I will try and rite a more
interesting letter next time, from your
friend Whit to
Bet. & Mary, Kenton
Jay is well and fast a slep in the wagon
we dont have to drill or stand gard