Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 7th Illinois Cavalry,
February 3, 1862.
I am pretty sure that we will start on a scout to-morrow
that will give us a ride of 150 miles. From the knowledge I have of it believe
that we are going to raise the devil before we get back or get raised
ourselves. There are only about 300 of us going, but we are all cavalry and are
going fast, will make our mark and then return probably at the same gait. We
are going pretty close to New Madrid, into a hot place, where a long stay would
not be pleasant. I believe there are 300 or 400 men about 70 miles from here
guarding commissary stores. We are going to try and surprise them and destroy
the goods, kill what we can of the secesh “and get out o’ that.” It will be my
first scout horseback but I'm going if it busts me. This is one of Colonel
Kellogg’s ideas and looks more like work than anything I have tried yet. It's
awful rough weather to start out in but that makes it more favorable for us.
Well, I have got over the hardest part of soldiering, though I doubt if I enjoy
myself as well as I did in the ranks. I never in my life spent nine months more
pleasantly than those I passed in the “8th.” We had some rough times, but good
health and good company made them as pleasant as and often happier than life in
quarters. I disliked very much to leave the boys I had been with so long and
knew so well, but cupidity and ambition got the better of the just resolves I
made never to leave them untill the war was over. John Wallace, Fred Norcott
and my chum, Hy Johnson, I did hate to leave. They'll get along just as well
though after they have forgotten us. My chances for a lieutenancy in that
company were first rate but I have got a better thing, and without so much
walking. You never saw a gladder boy than Sam was when he found himself safe
out of the infantry. He couldn't begin to hold his body. I suppose he and
Keefer are having very gay times all by themselves. Sidney and I concluded that
our best policy was to stay here and I'm glad I did so, although I would have
liked a visit home more than I can tell. If we can manage it so as to get off
together some time this spring we will do so, but I have little hopes now of
seeing you untill the war is over. The major (Rawalt), Seavy, Billy Resor and
myself mess together. We have the wife of one of the men cooking for us and are
living as well as I want to, in regular home style. White tablecloth, white
ware and a fork and spoon for every man. Warm biscuits and excellent coffee every
meal. My duties are light and not many of them. All writing. We live in a
house, too. My health is booming again. That trip brought me out all right.
This is a splendid place to camp in — high, healthy and beautiful. There are
lots of pretty girls here too, that smile very sweetly on shoulder-strapped
soldiers, but well, you understand me. I have Billy Stockdale, Trites, Chancey,
Geo. Shinn, Jesse B. and the rest of the Canton boys in the 17th and they are
all in excellent health. Chancey will be home in a few days I think. He is
second lieutenant in the Fairview Company now. Billy Stockdale is sergeant
major. Trites is romantic, enthusiastic and desponding as ever. Major Rawalt is
one of the best officers there is in the service. He and I will get along splendidly.
We are really off in the morning, and for a 200-mile march. There will be fun
before we get back.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 58-60
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