To Mrs. Lyon.
Iuka, Gen. Hospital, Friday, Aug. 28, 1862.—Here I am, flat on my back with remittent or intermittent fever, I do not know which. I am slowly recovering, the fever growing less and less every day and the doctor says it will entirely disappear in a few days more. I have had typhoid fever, the doctor now tells me. I suffer no pain now, but for the first few days I suffered a great deal. I was taken down Saturday evening, the 9th inst., very suddenly and severely. Our regiment has gone to Tuscumbia, thirty miles east of here. If I should get worse I will try to go to Columbus and send for you, as no woman is allowed to travel this side of Columbus without a special permit from General Grant.
Dr. Thornhill, our surgeon, is in charge here, and is very attentive to me. Dr. Murta took most excellent care of me until he had to leave with the regiment. I am taking large quantities of quinine. Have had no appetite.
I received my commission about the time I was taken sick. An order has been made by General Rosecrans relieving me from duty here and directing me to report to General Grant for further orders. My intention is, as soon as it is proper for me to leave here, to go to the regiment and close up some company business there; then report to General Grant and if possible get permission to go home to purchase horse, equipments, etc. If I succeed and get there by the 1st of October I shall do well.
