Pawnee Creek, Aug 30th, 1864.
Dear Wife:
I have received only two letters from you in the last five weeks, while others get the letters regular from Crawford. I have written you twice since we came here and have none in response.
The duties at this place are heavy. I have been on scouting duty most of the time since we left Humboldt. I was away with scouting party when our Co was paid a week since. Therefore 14 of us got no pay. I do not know how you can live so long without money. We will not get pay again till October. I hope you can get along some way till that time. If you can not, let me know. I can sell my mare at any time for near what I gave. The boys all want to buy her. She is the best animal in the Co. She is now fat and sleek, while others that have been rode on the same trips are spring-poor. I hurt her back very bad the last trip and the Lieut. says I need not ride her till she gets well. If I had her in Wis I would not take $200 for her. She is a blooded mare, and I bought her to fetch home, and do not wish to sell her if I can avoid it. I am troubled some with rheumatism, other ways I am well. I hope this may find you all well.
I have received two letters from Atlanta since hearing from you, the last from Henry and dated the 5th inst. I was absent when they came. I shall answer them today if I can. The boys were well and unharmed, but there has been hard fighting since, and I fear the results. But the same Power that has protected us all our lives can protect ours on the terrible fields of blood and carnage. Henry thinks the feeling is such in the army that there will be a change in the administration. I think most undoubtedly such will be the case, if the Democrats don't split and nominate two candidates for President. But let me assure you, my dear Wife, that I believe, and have very good cause to believe, that this fratricidal war can not last six months longer. If it does, wo, wo to the American nation. For there will be such times as there never was in any nation on earth. I do not wish you to infer from this that I belong to the great secret peace party of American Knights; for I do not, and greatly fear that they will yet ruin the Country by dividing the Democratic Party. This day the National Union Democracy meet in convention at Chicago, Ill., to nominate a suitable man for President of the United States, and my earnest prayer is that they may have unanimity of action and purpose; for in that depends the salvation of the once best government under Heaven.
Near half of our Co have gone with others to guard a U. S. train to Fort Gibson. I slipped out by being away. They started day before yesterday. I think they will have a fight with Bushwhackers before they return. I am not sorry I did not go, as I do not wish to fight unless I am called to do so. But from present appearances there will be plenty of chances yet, as the enemy are frequently both north and south of us.
Oh, it would be the greatest comfort to me to be with you again, to remain, where we would hear no more of cruel war to mar our peace and happiness. I hope you will write once a week, for you must know that my letters from you and the children are my only comfort in this lonely and isolated place. Direct Fort Scott, Kansas, Co. M, 3rd Wis. Cavy. Kiss Marion for me and tell her you guess Pa will be home to stay next Spring. Give my love to all the children. I am ever your loving Husband
Chas. N. Mumford