Camp Near Corinth Miss May14th 186[2?]
Dear Friend Ed,

          Yours of May 1st was received day before 
yesterday. I was glad to learn that you were all well as health 
is something that I can rightly appreciate in the Army. 
I am now well as far as general health is concerned: My hand 
is nearly well so that I can use it some.
We expected this morning to see something more of
the rebels about Corinth. We had orders to prepare 
two days rations, and be ready to march at Eight 
O’Clock A.M. By the appointed time we were ready 
and in ranks. We simply stacked our arms, let them 
remain there till two P.M. when we were ordered to 
“take arms and march to our quarters”. Consequently 
we find ourselves in Camp as usual this Evening. 
Capt. [Jenkins?] is now Acting Major of this Regt. Lieut [Melendy?] 
is sick, and I now have Command of the Company, but 
as we agree so well, I guess I’ll have no trouble. We drill 
twice a day; from half past five A.M. to half past six. 
And from half past four to half past five P.M. and Dress Parade
at half past six.
          I have just completed the Muster Rolls for payment 
and will probably get our pay nextweek. We we have been 
paid three times since enlistment, so that we are not troubled
about money.

Well Ed, it’s my opinion that the rebellion is about 
played out; at least I hope so though I’m not sorry to 
that I enlisted; this is not “home”. Most of the time I 
have enjoyed good health, and also enjoyed surrounding 
scenes, Still there is a longing for something which is 
lacking, Something which cannot be found short of home 
and friends. If I had it to do over again, I would enlist 
tomorrow. So long as my health does not fail me 
I will never loose a day from duty till Secession 
goes under. I have experienced the peculiar emotions which 
a person feels upon going into battle, And felt the not very 
pleasant ones upon coming out. Still, I am willing to 
try my luck again if necessary. I consider my life 
of far less value than thousands who are risking theirs 
to serve their country, and if I fall, I shall die happy 
with the thought that it was in the service of my
Country.
          Many of the boys are trying to make themselves 
believe that they will return home by the “[20th?]” I have 
no such hope as that; still, I think we will get home 
next fall, and winter. A large force, will as a matter 
of course, be compelled to remain here sometime after they 
virtually surrender to quell small rebellions, and lawless 
mobs. Deserters from Corinth represent Beaureguard’s force 
as being in a bad condition. I learned today that one stated
                                                                                            could
that they drew rations from 125,000 men, but ^ raise only 80,000 
effective men. He also stated that got only five ounces of bread 
Per day; while we get eighteen.

          The health of the troops now here is very good, most 
of the sick, and all the wounded have been sent to 
General Hospital, and to their homes, which is far better. 
The troops are all anxious to attack Corinth, and 
when they do, they will give an account of themselves of 
which their friends need not be ashamed. 
    You spoke of the of 12th Mich Vols in your letter and more particularly 
of a few of the members with whom we were acuainted. I was 
sorry to learn that Mr.Hazzard was among the missing. 
I fear he was taken prisoner. There was a grand surprise 
on Sunday the 6th of April, for which Grant’s troops hold 
him responsible. I have heard many of them speak of
it and all lay the blame upon Grant’s soldiers shoulders. 
Ed, You must pardon these hastily written notes, as I 
can get but a few moments time each day to write 
letters. When you write direct to Louisville, KY Co. “A” 29th 
Ind Vol’s and they will come safe enough, as the Post Master 
at Louisville is informed of our whereabouts on purpose 
to mail us our letters. We are in McCook’s Division, 3th Brigade. 
Tell Nell to write as soon as convenient. Give my best 
respects to your folks, and tell the I have not forgotten the 
many happy hours I spent at your house.
          My regards to all the friends, and especially to
my scholars.
          I remain your sincere friends and well
wisher.
            Irenus McGowan