To Mrs. Lyon
Mound City, Feb. 14, 1862.—Here we are, separated from the regiment for reserve duty again. We are to guard a large amount of ammunition. The hospital here contains from 600 to 700 patients, with accommodations for 1,000. Bartlett and I were all through it yesterday. Saw the men that were scalded on the Essex. They are an awful sight.
We are now almost discouraged about getting into the field. I hate this reserve duty.
