Letter from E.W. Mudge to his sister Sue, March 15th, 1862

Excuse poor writing and pencil

Corinth Miss.

                                                                                                                        March 15^th, 1862                                                                                                                                          [illegible]

Dear Sister Sue

            I received yours of the 10^th yesterday and I can assure you it afforded one a great deal of pleasure to show that I was so kindly thought of at home and you I can assure you I never lie me down to sleep without thinking of you all at N Orleans and preying that I may be safely returned to you all. I received Sister Em’s letter at the same time that I did yours but will not answer it until after we have the fight that we are are all expecting now or next day and then (if I am not killed which I do not expect to be)

I will write you a good long letter long enough Sue so they can not read it over three or four times in the course of a day then dear sister you will not be tired out in having the same thing over and over again. I wrote Sister Sally the other day asking her to send me several things if you seem him befor she sends them you will please tell her not to send them to Grand Junction but to Corinth were we now are and where we arrived in rather an unserimonious manner which was as follows

Last Thursday evening about eight or nine oclock as we were all [illegible] to bed we were all called upon to strike tents and be ready to march in ½ an hour. We all gave one big yell and then set to work like good fellows for we were good all eager for a fight so in about half an hour we were all ready to march with [illegible] all

on our back with our guns in our hands. they kept us waiting about another half hour and then we took up our line of march and marched six miles in mud up to our ancles and I can assure you I was pretty tired by the time I goot? To the end of our destination which was the Junction for you must remember we were not encamped in town by in the Country about six miles and there we remained all night or at leasy most of the Regt did but I with about ten others were detailed to load all the baggaged on the carrs and then were packed down in some box carrs and transported to this town (Corenth) like so many hogs. There are about 20,000 now in and around Corinth. Gen. Ruggles is here with all his staff I saw young Tippi Ruggles this morning [illegible] is there and all well. I  delivered Sally’s message to him

The Yankees have been seen within 15 miles of this place and they have printed on their banners

To Corinth or to hell.

so we will likely have a fight. two of our pickets were killed last night when I say ours I do not mean the Crescent Regt. but the Confederates at this station.

It is now bed time so I must close I would like to write you a good long letter but realy have no time as we are [illegible] pretty hard at work I in par-ticular for they have taken a great fancy to any strength and matters impore on it and now dear Sister with most love I remain your off brother

           E. Willy Mudge

Give my love to you know whoo.