The Portland Mumfords - Charles Norhood Mumford Source A II - Letters - 07/21/1864.
No envelope.

Humboldt, July 21st, 1864.

Dear Wife:

I received your kind favor of the 10th inst yesterday. I am nearly well again and am doing duty with the Co. It is the warmest weather here that I ever experienced and there is some sickness here. The crops are good through this country.

We have not been paid yet and I am afraid we shall not be before next month. As soon as I get pay I shall send you money, or, if I can sell my horse, I shall send it before I get pay.

I have never been so sick of soldiering as I am at the present. I think from the signs of the times that we shall have a change in the administration, and that, I think, is the only salvation for the country. If Lincoln is elected, the war will undoubtedly continue four years more. Lately he has proved himself to be the most corrupt man that has ever filled the presidential chair. He assumes to be the supreme dictator of the land. There is not a doubt in the mind of any reasonable person but that four fifths of the people of the free states are in favor of a restoration of the Union as it was: or in other words, with, or without slavery; but Lincoln and his satellites say there shall be no peace only with the entire abolition of slavery. Consequently a minority at this time is governing the Northern states. But the people are infatuated, and they -- some of them believe that we will have peace as soon if Lincoln is elected as we would with a change of administration. They have voted Lincoln once and they will vote Lincoln again, like the old lady who said what she said first she would say last, right or wrong.

The last letter I had from Manley he said Lincoln was getting unpopular every day in the army where he is.

Capt. Thompson has resigned his commission. It will take him two months to settle up his business. Lieut. Dickson has gone to Fort Scott to get mustered into the service as a lieut, and then I suppose my pay will begin as a Sergt. There is a great deal of dissatisfaction in our Co. in regard to the officers. But the commissioned officers are all Lincoln men and that is all that is required. The non-commissioned officers are all Democrats, and nearly all privates. There is talk that our Co will be sent south before fall, but there is no telling, there are so many reports.

I hope I shall hear from you soon. Tell me how you are getting along.... Perhaps it will be as well if you sell or kill for veal your late calves, as I do not think the breed is very good of either. I would suggest that you get plenty of hay cut if you can, and that you winter the Norwegian heifers well, any how, as I think they are the best stock. I was in hopes I would be able to send you some money before this to help you; but it is the intention to keep nearly two months pay back in the army till the final discharge.

I am greatly rejoiced to hear that Jacob Lemons is no worse wounded. Please give my love to all the members of the family and to your own self.

Affectionately your Husband,

C. N. Mumford.