Fort Scott, Oct. 14, 1863.
Dear Wife and Children:
I received your very kind letter of the 6th of Oct. and one that you sent to Madison this day. I assure you that I was very glad to hear from you. I wrote to you a few days since. The letter carried the news of the death of Mr. Burlingame.
I have not done any hard duty since I wrote you and my health is quite good. All of Co. M are said to be on the road from Fort Smith to this place. The Co. is almost destitute of any good horses, as well as the entire Regt. At a general inspection of the Regt a month since, it was reported at Washington as entirely destitute of field officers, deficient in arms, mounted on poor horses and mules and jack asses, and greatly demoralized. And the inspecting General recommended that the Regt be mustered out of the service; also that it was 400 short of the minimum number. Since that time there has at least 100 fallen in battle and disease. It is the opinion of many that the Regt will be mustered out of the service before Spring, but I have no idea of any such good news. Maj. Calkine of our Regt has gone to Wis for the purpose of getting 400 drafted men to fill up the Regt. Please tell me if they are drafting and with what success. I assure you that I enjoy life the worst kind, and I only hope to be a free man and be with you once more.
We have no late news from Chattanooga here, but I think the results are to be feared. If the Federal Army gets whipped, I think as you do that it will prolong the war. I have not received any pay and think it quite doubtful when I shall. Consequently I am entirely destitute. But have no fears for me. I can get along as long as I am well. The reason you do not get any state money is Co M has not bee reported since June, and can not be reported till they all get together. So you will see every thing is very uncertain about money.... You had better sell the oxen, and wagon too, if you can. I will send you money as soon as I get it. You must try to keep up good courage.
Give my kindest regards to Henry and Letitia and Amos and Cordelia. Tell them all I should be much pleased to hear from them. I would write to them all, but time and postage stamps are rather scarce. Tell Vira the same when you see her. Tell Marion Pa would like to see her -- and all the rest. My love to you all.
Your Affectionate Husband
C. N. Mumford