Post Hospital, Camp Randall, Madison, Aug. 2nd, 1863.
Dear Wife:
Yours of the 30th I gladly received on Friday. I was happy to hear that you were all well, but sorry to hear that you were having so much trouble with Edward. I wish I could be at home to attend to him, but that cannot be at the present. My health is very good. I am more fleshy than when I left home. I think it is the intention of the Surgeon to return me to my Regt. He told me last Thursday he should send me to my Regt., and some 20 or 30 others the same. All the others he sent out of the hospital to the quarters to wait for transportation. Some will start to their commands tomorrow. Hayden came back yesterday. He has been put into the Invalid Corps. He says there is nothing the matter with him, and I do not know why they will not put me in the Invalid Corps as soon as Hayden. But the spirit only moves the Surgeon in charge here in the afternoon, and that is caused by frequent potations of Lager beer and the ardent. Therefore I do not know as he is very reliable and he may not return me to the Regt. very soon. Taking all things into consideration, I should much rather go into the Invalid Corps if I could have choice.
I got a letter from Manley dated last Sunday. He is out of health. Like you, I am afraid he will get down sick. He has had that pain in the side so long I am afraid it is something serious. I think he had better come home on furlough till he gets better. I shall write to him today.
There is no important news in the papers or I would send you one. Our armies are besieging Charlestown, S. C. with not very great success at present. The last news says we have 6 two hundred pound siege cannon planted in front of their works and I think the city will be taken, the way Vicksburg was, before the siege is raised, though it may take months to take it. A part of the Army of the Southwest, under Gen. Herron have gone to attack the city of Mobile, now in the hands of the Rebels. There will be terrible fighting there, as the army who are sent there are good fighting men. It is a very strong and well fortified place and of great importance to the Rebels. Gen. John Morgan with his entire force is captured, and he and his principal officers are in the penitentiary at Columbus, Ohio. The Union Army, on the whole, have done a big work since the first of July, I think. They have killed and captured not less than a hundred thousand Rebels in one month.
Tell baby I got the kiss she sent. You must kiss her for me. Give my love o all. Write as soon as convenient.
I am Truly, Your affectionate Husband,
C. N. Mumford