Humboldt, Allen Co., Kansas. January 23rd/64.
Dear Wife:
Your anxiously looked for letter of the 6th of the present month I received yesterday. The two last letters I wrote you had not received at the date of your last.
I have been instrumental in getting Co. M reported to the Secretary of State, which I informed you in my last. Also that there has been some blame attached to me for being so long from my Co., by which there is an effort being made to reduce me to the ranks. How it will come out I do not know.
I received a letter from Manley, dated the 10th Inst at Monroe, Wis., yesterday. I was truly glad to hear that he would be with you soon. I wrote him a short note in answer this day. I can only wish that I were there to enjoy in common with you all the pleasure you will enjoy during his stay, but as such can not be the case, I will try and content myself the best I can, which, I am free to confess, is none of the best.
I expect, if we shall be permitted ... beginning of another year, to see you again and remain with you till the end of life. This is a consolation, but yet a short year in the service seems a long time, not knowing what hardships and dangers we have to go through during that time. I have to tell you the old story of no pay and I fear that we shall not get any pay till Spring. I am told that our rolls are at Fort Smith, Arkansas, therefore we cannot get pay till the rolls come. I have no doubt, before this reaches you, you can get all the state money due you by applying for it, which will be a help to you. I hope you may be able to get along comfortably till I can send you some money, which I shall do as soon as I can.....
A portion of Co. M have returned from a 7 days scout. They were sent into the enemy's (territory? MJM) some 70 miles out found no enemy, and not the last thing to subsist their horses on, and had to return in consequence. I will only add that I think there is not the least danger of an attack from the enemy at this place before grass grows.
Write soon and as often as you can, and remember me as ever your affectionate Husband,
C. N. Mumford
P.S. My love to Henry and family, Amos and family, and Ady.
Dear Daughter Mary:
I am very glad indeed that you have not forgotten me. Nor have I forgotten you. I think of you all every day. Remember me to Jane and Marion and Frank. Tell them all to remember me as their and your affectionate Father.
C. N. Mumford