Hd. Qrs. 2d Div. 23d Army Corps

Loudon Tenn. October 1 1863

Dear Mother

It is raining today & we are or should be very thankful for it—it is the second rain since coming here—the dust got to be almost intolerable.

I presume that you are more or less anxious about me not receiving letters with any degree of regularity and hearing rumors of fighting here to. The enemy has again fallen back & yesterday all the cavalry moved down after them. We have expected a fight for several days & had the troops in position several times but I think, now we must go after them to get it & there seems to be no prospect of that in our Division. Col. Stockton came in night before last bringing a letter from Father, a quantity of papers & my pants. I was glad to hear that you were all well. The papers & magazine although Aug. dates we are reading with avidity. I have also read a letter from Mary written just on her return from Lake Superior. We are in telegraphic communication with the North now but get but little news—so little that I fear matters are not all right in the army. Since returning from our march beyond Knoxville we have made our Head Qs. in the R. R. Hotel where we have plenty of office & sleeping room. Lt. Ben Briscoe is telegraph operator & his office is next to my sleeping room. I hear his ticking frequently when I would prefer sleep. When father has an opportunity a I wish that he would send me a rubber coat (light or dark no matter) my leggings, winter shorts (outside) one or two new winter under shirts, one pair drawers dark colors. So few paper colors. It would be well to put them in a cheap carpet bat—am in no particular hurry so wait until you have a good safe opportunity of sending—it is hardly safe to send to my reg. for I see very little of it. You better not send at all until I write again.

[comment in margin] Are they going to raise any colored regiments in Mich?

It is reported that Genl. Manson has recovered his health & is now on his way here, if so, Genl. White will return to his brigade or be placed over a new force.

How is your health now, dear mother? Mary says it has not been as good as it was since returning from the Lakes. I often think of you & not without some anxiety, but we trust in one who doeth all things well.

It is dinner time so I must close for the present. Oct 2. The train has just come in & goes right back. No prospects of fighting. My health very good. Much Love.

Your affc.

Watson