To Mrs. Lyon.
Iuka Springs, Miss., General Hospital, Sunday, Aug. 31, 1862.—I am still here, you see, but I assure you that I am very greatly improved. The fever has now entirely disappeared, I think, for I am gaining strength rapidly. I can now walk across the room without help. My appetite is fair, but not ravenous. My principal food is mush and molasses, a little broiled beefsteak, and black tea. Dr. Thornhill promises to let me go to the regiment, the 8th, as soon as it will answer, which I think will be in a few days, say three or four, just long enough to recruit a little. Dr. and Mrs. Thornhill have been very kind to me during my illness, as was Dr. Murta while I was with him. John Humphrey and Williams have taken most excellent care of me and have spared no effort to make me as comfortable as possible. I owe my rapid recovery to the excellent nursing I have had, in a great measure.
Immediately after receiving my commission as Colonel of the 13th, General Roseerans made an order relieving me from duty in the 8th and ordering me to report to General Grant, who is at Corinth; so that is my first move when I am able; and I expect to be ordered to join my regiment, with a short leave of absence, which can not exceed twenty days, to purchase outfit, etc., but don’t be too sanguine, for I may fail to get leave. The regiment have been paid lately to the 1st of July, but not being with them I was not paid. I expect to be paid, however, when I report to General Grant, up to the time when my pay as Colonel commences, which I suppose is August 5th. I believe the pay of a Colonel is $218 per month, at least it was. Of course, my expenses will be much larger than they have been. My outfit will cost a good deal, horse, saddle, pistol, sword, mess chest, uniform, etc., etc.
I do not allow myself to pine inordinately for home, but I look upon my illness in a distant land, away from the comforts of home and the tender care of my wife and friends, as one of the sacrifices that I am called upon to make for my country, and I try to make it cheerfully.
