Head Quarters Jefferson Barracks Mo
August 12th 1861
My dear wife
Being ordered to take command at this post I came down here yesterday evening, and stayed all night with Major Macrae1 the for[mer] commandant. Being senior officer I am entitled to choice of quarters, and have taken rooms (5 or 6) here within the enclosure.
William is up town trying to get some necessary articles and I am busy issuing orders, seeing friends and preparing for business operations generally.
It is cool and pleasant. About 4000 troops are camped around me, under my command. I am directed to establish “a school instruction,” “to teach the young ideas how to shoot“. Jack Falstaffs Regiment was a dress parade compared to my command. Some have guns but none have uniforms, and many are destitute of shoes. They lay round loose on the side hills, without tents or covering, and generally bear their trials with becoming patience and forbearance. I felt ashamed of myself last night, for while I was sleeping on a nice matress, the pelting rain was pouring down on thousands who slept without roof or even a blanket.
Certain it is we have reason to be ashamed of our country that after so much preparation has no accommodation for the assembling troops.
It is cool and pleasant here. Major Macrae and other officers have their family arrangements, & think I ought to have mine. How long or short my stay is to be is just as uncertain as the wind; still I do not know but I may as well have your company when I can. I have a cooking stove & utensils. A kitchen table, and a rough table which does for the dining room. I have ordered a cot and half dozen camp stools. A few more kitchen, din’g, and sleeping arrangements; would make it nice for you and the children to be with me. Transportation would cost little or nothing, except the transportation to the S. boat. If I am to stay many weeks I am sure you would prefer to be with me, and it would not be much trouble to go back when I am ordered forward, as I hope to be when the grand army goes South. You can think of this and write me. In the mean time I will think more of it and write you. We have no fears of being taken by Pillow or any body else soon, but the State of Missouri is in a disturbed condition and that may be a serious objection to leaving our quiet home.
I hope you will write very often. The franking- privilege extends for at least six months and I may therefore write and receive letters without cost till December.
I telegraphed Henry2 to “Come soon via of Keo’k” I meant by that to give him a chance to make you a visit and remit his health if need be. When convenient I should like to have him here, but he need not hurry, and if you and the children come I will assign him the duty of giving you transports from our door to my head quarters. Everything should be packed carefully, and the contents of each box should be put down on the box or in a little book corresponding in great care. Then you can bring, leave, or otherwise dispose of boxes as you may see proper. The house must not be rented till we can get a proper tenant. Better close it with “To Let” marked on the door.
I have seen H H Curtis daily almost but I have not had time to enjoy much visiting and expect hereafter to be as busy as possible. None of my staff have made their appearance yet. If any come to Keokuk tell them they had better report to me soon.
Affectionately & ever yours
Saml. R. Curtis
1. Probably D. McRae, later col. Arkansas vols.
2. Son of S. R. Curtis