Camp Near Memphis, December 6th 1862 Thomas Henry Slagg

Dear Brother i take up my pen to write a few lines to you hoping they will find you well as it leaves me. at present Joe complains of a pain in his right knee but i think he will get over that Soon i guess it is a touch of the rheumatism. Ezra is getting better his happetite is better then it was but his eyes Looks rather yellow yet he has been out on drill to day. Joe and me is on guard to day. it is a nice warm day. their was some white stuff Last night and on the fourth their was a snow about one inch but it melted away about ten oclock. the old settlers say that it is about as cold now as it generaly is through the winter. If thats so i think we can stand it pritty well. Joe and me was Picket and Edward Palmiter from Albion Centre. we stood between Two houses and at four road ends we took one days rations with us We cooked our coffee in our tins and fried our pork on pointed sticks. it was pritty a cold night but we built a larger fire Wich made it pritty coffatable. Their was a paroled soldier from the rebel army and I tell you he stood up for the south like the old harry he was. in the battle of Shiloh he said the south had the most men the first day by nine thousand. he said That the northerners was just eating breakfast when they pitched On them but he said they fought like the very devil. well i Could tell you a pile but i have not got time so i must Turn to other things. Peter Binkert is in the hospital And Edward Palmiter is in too and he has been crazy for two nights. it takes three men to hold him. he catched cold the Night we was on picket and it settled in his brain. Henry Foot is in too. he is from Albion Centre. Peter Binkert is worse Today. Joe Mcmonagal has been very Sick but he is better now well Dear brother we haven't received any wages since we left Madison. i think we shall have some before long. i think them Centre fellows is a going but us through the small sive about the bounty but if they dont pay up to the handle if i ever come home i dont think i can stand it very well. thomas if billy north can pay that note off draw it and use it. Bicknel sends his best respects to you. They have lost two out of their company. i went to the funeral and i tell you it was a fine graveyard. Your affectionate brother

Alexander Slagg