I tore open my envelope to save      a stamp

		On board the “Mary Crane”
			Indiana Nov. 9th 1862

	Dear Father    ,
			We are at present
taking in wood on the. Ky. shore
I said that we were in Indiana
it was because I like Inda better than
Ky. that I Said we were in Indiana.
  We had marching orders three days
ago to go to Columbus Ky and last
night at dark we had final orders
to go so we packed up and started for
Portland Ky about five miles below
Louisville Ky we got to Portland about
nine o.clock P.m got some of our things
on board. most of the Officers went to
bed about halfpast ten myself included.
Slept till morning.
At nine.. A.m. to day, I started with six
mule teams and went six miles and
turned them over to the [Jr] [illegible] Louisville Ky

he the Dr Mr had to have them
inspected that was done and the
proper papers were made and signed
and come back the six miles making
twelve miles in two hours and a quarter
only I came very near being left.
Our boat began to move just half past 11 am
it now being half past three.
I recieved your letter of the 5th of Nov
this morning or rather we got the mail
last
night  after we got marching orders had no
time to open it last night off course.
Our Capt thinks we will reach Columbus
in three days if no bad luck some of that
I expect on account of the river being so
low    run a ground I expect a few
times. there is five Companys on board
this boat about 425 men horses and
mules and baggage not withstanding.
I am well with the exception of a bad
cold and a little sore throat not but little
I will put this the first office that I
can get a chance Your Obedient Son
		Jas S Cathcart