(Place not given, but certainly General Hospital, Fort Scott. MJM)
Apr. 1st, 1865.
Dear Wife:
The river is so high I fear the mail will not leave here till the 3rd inst.
It is warm and beautiful here. I had half of a good baked potato with my dinner -- the first I have eaten since I ate with you. I think it will be the last for some time to come. Potatoes are worth $5 per bushel here and apples are worth $3 per bushel. I think I am getting better of my lameness as the weather gets warmer. Last night I sat up with a man who has delerium tremens. He belongs to the 15th Kansas Cavalry. He is much better today.
Tell me how you are getting along and how your stock looks by this time, and how many cows you calculate to milk the coming summer. I get my newspaper three times a week. I paid for it for only three months, but the editor sent me a receipt for pay for one year, which will be out the 13th of Dec. next. The news is very reliable in my paper, and much of it, as it has correspondents in all of Europe and all parts of the army. I would send you some of the papers, but it takes three days for the papers to reach me, and before I could get them to you the war might be far toward its end. The news would be old to you. My papers are read by many and are worn out in a day or two...
The telegraph is in working order. We expect to hear of the capture of Raleigh, the Capital of N.C. every day, but expect much precious blood will be spilt in its capture. Such may not be the case... I think the greatest trouble on the minds of the business people in this country (He means around Fort Scott, Kansas. MJM) is that they are afraid the war will soon end, which will make Fort Scott a poor place.
My prayer to God is this may find you well. May you do well, and so continue that the choicest blessing of Heaven may be yours in all time to come.
Give my love to the children, and I send mine specially to you.
Remember me ever your loving Husband
Charles N. Mumford.
(In the hand of Mrs. C. N. Mumford on the bottom of this letter is written: Received the 12th April. MJM.)