Camp Near Stevenson Ala [Alabama] July 12th 1862 Friend Ed:      I seat myself this morning in a chair stolen at Corinth (and which by the way is quite a luxury) to again let you know of my whereabouts. Well, you see by this that I am somewhere. I received your letter while we were upon the march from Louisville to this place where we arrived on the afternoon of the 10th. Our march had been a long, fatiguing one. We have marched since leaving Corinth over two hundred miles of that distance I have not rode one foot but have hoofed it through and have been hearty all the time. Capt. [Jenkins] has been acting Major, Lieut [Melendy] absent, sick and the command of the company had devolved upon me but I have been ably assisted by our 1st and 2nd Sergeants who are good fellows and do what is right under all circumstances.      I was surprised to hear that you were going into a store as clerk but you have my best wishes and I sincerely hope you may succeed in all your undertakings. I had thought that [perhaps?] under the new call for troops you would pitch in somewhere and immortalize yourself but if not a soldier, I believe you will do well wherever you go.      We have had some very warm weather down here but not sufficiently hot to make soldier cry “[Cavy?]”. The men have marched through the heat of the day without flinching or falling out. All are surprised to see the men stand it so well, especially the southern people, who universally say “how much better your soldiers look, and stand the heat than ours do.” They had supposed the heat would kill our soldiers but they are greviously disappointed. It is acknowledged on all sides by these natives that the fate of Richmond is the fate of their Confederacy. As far as I am concerned, I have no fears for the result but I wish McCook’s Division could go there. I believe the 2nd Division could favor the rebels with a round, or two, quite as destructive as those fired at Shiloh. I would risk another finger any way though. I am not at all anxious to make a target of myself. I have tried it twice and dont [don’t] find it funny.      We have passed though some beautiful country since I last wrote you. We have marched over one hundred miles in a single valley so narrow that the mountains, and hills could be seen on either hand at all times. Occasionally we would climb a mountain and then descend into the valley again, which being spread out plainly before us, amply atoned for the fatigue of the ascent by presenting to our gaze the most beautiful scenery that I ever beheld. If you wish to see sights you must desert Michigan for a time and travel Southward. The springs excel anything that I ever saw. We have passed by those which, discharged water enough to run a water mill, and we encamped by one which had been used for this purpose. But I suppose the Miller is in the army, consequently the mill has about gave up. The streams are shallow but generally wide. All that I have seen run over a bed of solid rocks, marking a firm but rough footing for those who wade. We have one or two to ford every day when on the march, but have become so accustomed to it that we rather like the sport. At first the boys undressed but now they plunge in regardless of getting their clothes wet. We have just been out on inspection and feel better.      Well Ed, what do folks up north think of war? I have often wished that my friends could all know just how we live down here without enduring the privations that we do. But, to understand, all must go through the Mill. Us Soldiers are very much pleased with the Homestead Bill which secures to us homes at least. Four of five of us have formed a club and are going west to settle our 160 as soon as this war ends. Would you go along? Excuse me Ed, I didn’t think of that other arrangement of yours, over there by the Saw Mill, Beg your pardon my dear fellow! I’m sorry I said anything: “Go ahead”.      Well you must expect to see a fellow of my size about as soon as the 29th Ind Vols is mustered out. I am anxious to see you again. If I could see you, I could talk to you but this writing rather takes me down. I cant say anything to interest the reader, let alone amusing or instructing Him. All I have to say is, try it yourself. You talk about boring me with long letters, please write two or three sheets instead of one. Letters are the stuff of life to the soldiers.      Give my love to your folks, and all the friends. I answered Nell’s letter soon after it was received. Believe me that I am interested in all you undertakings and hope you may succeed in life as you deserve.      I remain       Yours sincerely        Irenus McGowan