This letter written by
James B. King
27th Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company E,
was transcribed and submitted by Barbara King.
Henderson Station West Tennessee
20-Feb-1863
Dear Cousin,
Silas Angier tells me that Harvey(?) writes that you want me to "fulfill my promise" and write to you. I am sure cousin Beck that I try to keep my promises--as well as I can, and I have written once or twice to you since I had a letter from you. But I don't generally wait for an answer but write as often as I can whether I get any answer or not. We have been here for nearly three weeks foraging for corn to send to Corinth [Mississippi]. The roads are getting so bad that I don't believe we can forage much longer and I think we will stay here but a few days. I suppose we will go back to Jackson [Mississippi] or maybe Cornith. The boys who are down here are mostly well I believe. Good many of them who are sick are up at Jackson. Most of your acquaintances are well I believe. Ed Ashline is not very well. I have not seen him for nearly three weeks. He has a lame knee. Sergeant Allyn [William M. Allyn], Sherman [Isaac S.] Hanna and Sile [Silas] Angier are well. Silas is as fat as he can be. I think I will have to tap him, to get some of the lard out before hot weather comes on. I have as good health as ?. Remember me to Matt and friends generally. Tell Fanny and Katy that cousin Jim has not forgotten his little cousins if he is a Soldier. Direct as usual to Cairo Illinois.
James B. King
Co E 27 Iowa Vol Inf
Next letter dated July 1, 1863