I took the 'mankato' late yesterday afternoon and we came as far as Red Wing when we changed, taking a smaller boat and arrived here about three o'clock this P.M. I was pretty well examined and passed muster. When he was performing with my arms, (I do not know but he would have discovered my wounded hand) but I guess he did not think it was very serious. I did not electioneer one way or the other. To be drafted is not like volunteering, but candidly, Ursula, I am in fine spirits tonight.
We are having a nice rain this evening and I am under a good shelter and a kind guardianship placed over me to prevent me foolishly getting out and catching cold; or at least we will take that view of it. After I commenced writing a young fellow remarked that we had no chores to do. Some one said something about being guarded and he said that it was to keep us out of the rain. He appeared to be a young Irishman and talking in that strain caused me to laugh heartily. We have a tight roof over us and beds to lie on. I had supper. The coffee was good and the bread pretty fair but I am of the opinion that the butter 'out ranks' any of the board of officers that put me through, and I think that measures ought to be taken to procure Justice to it, i.e., the butter. I had a pleasant trip up here. The ticket cost me four dollars. I thought I would send back part of what I have left but perhaps that I had better not as I do not know when I may get any from U.S. I guess you had better dunn Mr. Fuller if he has not paid you, for as you ought to have it he had ought to make an effort to pay it.
The sergeant kindly bought me some paper, pen and ink and envelopes, that is, I sent the money by him. There are about a dozen up here. Take them as a whole I think they seem to be rather a quiet lot. Perhaps that they belong to the serious family. I guess that our guardians are gentlemanly fellows. Our room is about twenty by eighty, three windows at one end and a sort of double door at the other. We have a pleasant view of part of the town, but it seems rather funny to stay in the observatory so long. The report is that most go to Fort (Snelling) tomorrow. If we do probably 'twill be to drill. Now Sula I hope you will cheer up and look on the bright side. Do not work too hard, love, and take good care of yourself, which adnapp.
Please write soon as you get this if convenient to,
Your affectionate husband
Levi Emery
Fort Snelling, Minn.
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