The desired day has come. I am now a U. S. Soldier. We were mustered in yesterday & we expect our bounty in a very short time. the most of the excursionists are already here. I received your letter last eve. & also one from Delinda [i.e., Delinda Jackson].

We have been up to the Capt's quarters & received our pay & I have taken my revolver. I assure you it is a little beauty.
I suppose that father has drawn or

very soon will draw the remainder of my bounty & will you ask him to get me a cheap watch hunter case (if it will not discommode him. If he wishes to use the money he may wait until I come home) not more expensive than eight dollars? I think he would do best at Mr Henney's. Tell him to have it regulated & set it as soon as he can. There are plenty of watches here but I do not know any thing about a watch & people's conscience dont trouble them about the soldiers.
We have fun here wholesale. almost every day there is some thing. Last Friday night we had as exciting

a time as I ever saw. The soldiers were getting rather uneasy because we were not mustered in & threatened to break the guard & go home. I do not think that hardly any wanted to go but rather to hurry matters a few fellows started & raised the cry to "fall in all that wanted to go home" & rushed for the bridge. I was some way from the barrack when the cry arose & as usual I went to see the fun. There were but few at the bridge when I got there but very soon there was a dense crowd & of all the times ever witnessed that was the most exciting. As soon as it could be done our Co.

& one of the Portland Cos. were ordered to the ground but it was some time before the crowd dispersed. Our Co. had to stop near the bridge & keep a strong guard all night. Last night a large squd of the Portland boys visited us & we had a "bully time." The most friendly & even brotherly feelings were expressed on both sides & the different parties cheered each other in the most earnest & hearty manner. My health is excellent. I have felt as well since I came here as I ever did the same length of time in my life. We have the laziest time that you could imagine but you know I like that. With the hope that you are enjoying "Cattle Show" I remain your affectionate bro.

John.