Benton Barracks, St Louis, Mo.

Sept. 12 /62

I mailed a letter to you two days ago which was the 10 day Of Sept. I write tonight because we are ordered to pack our things and be ready to take the cars at 12 oclock tonight for Rolls. We are all in a bluster packing. I have got mine ready. George and Laurant and Bill are cooking provisions to last us there.

7oclock. Our Captain has just come and told us that our order for leaving at 12 oclock is countermanded and we shall not leave until Sunday morning; perhaps before we go to bed we shall receive orders to go somewhere else. We recd orders today to be ready at moment to go to Cairo but in a few hours that was knocked in the head, so you see we do not know anything about where or when we shall go. We are well satisfied with our situation here but we want to see the ELEPHANT. I will not write any more tonight. I will not finish until tomorrow, hoping to get a letter from you by that time. I have not heard from you since I came to this camp.

Good Night Sarah

Saturday morning Sept. 13

As I am detailed to stand guard today I must finish this morning for I shall not have time to write any more until tomorrow and then wd shall probably be on our way to Rolla. I did not want to mail this until after the mail came in for I shall expect a letter. The mail arrives at 2 p.m.

The last two or three days has been rather cool. Cold nights. The boys are all well. I see them all every day, those of Hubbards Company as well as our own. I will now close. Will write some more if I have the opportunity.

From your unworthy husband A.P. Mitchell

Direct to A.P.M. Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo. Co.H. 20th Regiment Iowa Volunteers

As I have a few leisure moments I will here tell you the narrow escape of Mr. Williams. Last Thursday morning before daylight he had an occasion to go to the back house. As he was coming out of the door a man met him with a knife and made a pass at him but Williams knocked the blow off receiving a slight cut on the back of his fingers. The ruffian then knocked him down. He laid there insensible while the Villain picked his pockets of what money he had which was eight dollars. The knife was found near the spot. Williams probably knocked it out of his hand. They arrested two men but could not prove anything against them. W. was not hurt much but badly frightened.

Benton Barracks

St. Louis, Sept. 13 1862

Herein you will find a picture. Perhaps you will not know this one. I had a cheap one. I thought it would answer the same purpose. You may send one to my folks if you please. I would like to have you get your and the babies taken and send them.

no date

Sarah:

It sees a long time since I left home and it has been. It is now most a month and that is a long time for me for you know I was never absent from you over 24 hours at a time before and I do not recollect as I was ever gone that length of time but I expect that you feel more lonesome than I do for I have more to take my attention than you have But I do not forget you scarcely a minute. My mind is continually on my friend at Home. I am not discontented here. I like better than I expected to when I enlisted. Your picture is a great comfort and company to me. I am very glad you sent it. The baby looks so natural lying in your lap.

I intended to have a picture taken yesterday but it was a rainy day and I could not get a good one and today I cannot leave for I am on guard and have to be here all the time for fear I might be called on for something. Every Co. has one supernumerary guard detailed every day and I happen to be the one today. I may not have anything to do and I may be called for at any time. There is nothing hard about it only it is rather confining and a person is obliged to be at his post. If I could hear from you every week I should like it. I shall expect to get a letter when Doc Patterson gets back, He will be I expect by the last of next week.

I shall expect to hear all the news by him. I want you to write all the news you can think of. You know anything from you will interest me. Tell me all even tell me how the DOG and Aunt Eveline gets along. Tell Uncle Stephen that I am agoing to write him soon and if he does not reply I will disown him. I suppose Steve is rushing things the same as ever.

Yours with Respect.

A.P. Mitchell

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