Cairo, Ill., May 15, [1862].

CAIRO, Ill., May 15, [1862].

A. J. KYNETT AND E. RUSSELL, SEC’Y., &c.:

We just arrived at this place, and through the assistance of Gen. Strong, got passage on the steamer City of Alton, (hospital boat) for Hamburg.  We think it fortunate, as the next boat does not leave till Saturday.

I saw Rev. Folsom, he does not know what is most needed, but says that there is a great scarcity of thin drawers.  Would it not be best to suggest the same to our ladies, that they may make up some.

I purchased a dozen essence ginger and some ale, but have no time to look around here after the sick.  Gen. Strong tells me he has made arrangements to send them all home.  We met a very sick man at Centralia of the 14th Iowa, lives in Wisconsin, name H. J. Matthews, Co. H., and assisted him to food and some funds.  We are both well and confident of being able to do great good.  Thanks to Folsom and Gen. Strong.  Boat off – good bye.

Yours, &c.,

IRA M. GIFFORD

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1