Your kind letter of the 25th ult., was received while at Pine Bluff, but as we were under marching orders I concluded to wait until I knew where we were going to pitch. According to present appearances we will stop here for some time. The vets and recruits arrived here the same day as we did; day before yesterday. Part of our men (were) left at Pine Bluff to await another boat. We are looking for them daily. Many of the sick were sent north, probably to St. Louis, and we left several of our regiment in the post hospital at Pine Bluff and Little Rock, and some since we arrived here have been taken to the hospital here as we have not got accommodations for the sick here yet. I intend to get leave to return to my company if I can for tomorrow or the next day, if all's well. The recruits form our way were saddened by the loss of Mr. A.V. Hamlin when only a short distance from here. By some means he was lost overboard.
The boys who cane down looked ragged and I hope will be healthy. I think that it is a much more favorable time for northerns to come down here than when we conscripts came down. It is considered healthier here than at Pine Bluff. I like it so far much better.
I received a letter from Mother today dated the 5th inst.; all usually well, so I judge as she did not say to the contrary.
She wrote that H.P. Knapp, Frank's youngest brother died at Brasher City, Aug. 14th. It is my fervent prayer that Francis' life and health may be spared and he return and gladden the hearts of all near and dear to him. As I hear of successes to our Union armies at different points I feel encouraged and I have a considerable hope that a short time more will be sufficient to close the war.
As I have not your letter here perhaps I may fail to answer all of your questions. You want to know how I felt when I knew that I was a father. Well I suppose something of a father's pride swelled in my bosom! Our regiment have commenced getting out logs and from appearances we will winter here. I am writing this in a tent belonging to the Christian Commission which donates stationery as well as room for the soldiers to write. They have commence erecting more permanent shelter and then intend to have daily meetings. I saw cousin Albert Pierce, Lucia's brother who is at Little Rock in the Sanitary Commission's employ. I had a good dinner there and a splendid visit with him. I hope, Sula, that surrounded by four folks you will not feel as lonesome as you did. My hand trembled very badly when I sat down to write and now the room or tent feels rather cold so please make some allowance for the blots. I have drank no liquor nor used any tobacco to make me nervous but have worked rather hard some of the time for a few days at work that is different than usual.
Please give my very best wishes to all the folks and write soon to your affectionate husband
Levi Emery.
