Mattoon Letter : November 26, 1862

Gershom and several other soldiers have been put in charge of caring for 400 horses for a week. Prior to that, they were caring for only forty-one horses. He notes that he has seen many soldiers get thrown from their horse and several horses have laid down on soldiers. He goes on to briefly describe their daily responsibilities, their equipment, and their plans to relocate to Washington, D.C. in a week or so.