Knoxville, Tenn., October 18th, 1863.
Once more have my eyes been gladdened and my heart made to rejoice by the reception of love’s sweet messengers—letters from home. How anxiously have I watched and waited, and what a load has been removed by those grateful words, “Well as usual.”
But eighteen days is a long time to await tidings of those we love. Arrangements are being made to have our mail carried over the mountains on pack mules. When these arrangements are completed I think there will be more regularity.
We are encamped again near the city, awaiting whatever may turn up. The regiment is in excellent health and spirits. We have become accustomed to soldiers’ fare; nothing seems to affect us. There is a striking contrast between old troops and new. When in pursuit of the Rebels beyond Greenville, Wilcox’s men tired out and were withdrawn from the chase, while we pursued ten miles further. They are six and nine months men from Indiana.
I see by Northern papers that Rebel sympathizers hope to carry Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania in the coming election, and this hope nerves the Rebel leaders to make the most desperate efforts to hold out yet a little longer. They are doomed to disappointment. These states will give an overwhelming majority for the Union.
