Mattoon Letter : March 6, 1863

The writer notes that he has a very bad cough and is not allowed to work outside as a result. So many soldiers were discharged that they closed the barracks at which he served as wardmaster, leaving him out of a job. Around the camp, the ground is clay, so any rain makes it very slick and dangerous. The writer wishes he could be back home because he has lost a lot of weight and has yet to be paid.