To Mrs. Lyon
Mound City, Sunday, March 9, 1862.—How lucky now that you did not come to me. I got orders last night to join the regiment, which is 20 miles west of Bird’s Point. We are all packed up and expect the boat every hour. I presume we shall go to New Madrid. If you hear of a fight, keep cool until you have the particulars, and then throw up your hat, for we shall whip them.
