Letter in possession of, and generously contributed to this website by David James.

Letter transcription & explanatory notes by P. Davidson-Peters (2004).
Any errors are therefore the result of my own deficiencies and interpretations.

Brackets indicate uncertainty of word

Camp Whitcomb, Indiana
July 8 1846

Dear father,

We [rested] starting to day and embrace the opportunity of you by Mary. Jno. W. Long got some linen goods off Hammond to make me an undress frock coat he was to have it here by tuesday (yesterday) and he has failed entirely, So he can pay Hammond for the goods and keep the coat. Long made for me our frock coat (uniform) one cloth Round about and [pair] of uniform pants.

David returned last evening and handed over the $100 dollars you had the kindness to send. they aske a premium of 2 p ct for gold the Company are in fine spirits in hopes of a speedy departure.

I have at this time quite a bad cold which has kept me under the weather for afew days past. I wish you would write me the name of one of your hired hands and pay him in my name so that I can certify and draw pay for him as a servant. You can write to Baton Rogue, La where we'll remain some 10 days likely

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direct your letter to Lieut. H. Daily 3rd Reg Ia Vol and say on the back if the volunteers have left fow'd to army.

We will remaine in Baton Rouge until shipping comes up from New Orleans to Camps [as] on direct, we will not stop at N. Orleans at all

William "Harrison" Harry Daily was born in Charlestown, Clark Co., Indiana in 1819 and was the eldest child of David Wise Daily and his wife, Mary A. (Shirley). He was a 1st lieutenant, Adjutant, of Company I of the 3rd regiment and was mustered in on 22 June 1846 at New Albany, Indiana, by Colonel Samuel Churchill. Transferred to staff, Harrison was mustered out 24 June 1847, at New Orleans, Louisiana.

John W. Long was a soldier in the 2nd Indiana Volunteer regiment of Company C and was mustered in at New Albany, Indiana on June 20, 1846 from Clay County, Indiana.

Mary is believed to be the sister of John W. Long.

Camp Whitcomb - located at New Albany in Floyd County, Indiana, five Indiana regiments were formed at this rendezvous point in 1846-1847 for service in the Mexican War. The first 3,000 men departed for active duty under Brigadier General Joseph Lane during July 1846.