Dear Minerva

     A very short time after writing to you by Capt Townsend [i.e., Capt. John F. Townsend, Co. C, 53rd Indiana Infantry] we were ordered to St Louis It required Every moment I had after we got the order until we started for me to get ready consequently I did not have time to write When we got to St Louis we were ordered forward and again my task was a busy one By the time we had started on our voyage from this place between the fatigue I had had to undergo the cold I had taken and the loss of sleep I was quite prostrate This condition of things lasted for some four or five days I was at no time dangerous nor so prostrate that a day or two quiet rest at home would not have restored me But owing to the fact that I was crowded up with a noisy Reg and the weather being very unwholesom and I having some duties to perform when Ever I was able what was really but a slight indisposition almost amounted

to a spell of sickness But I have been able to attend regularly to business for the last 3 or 4 days and feel quite restored Yesterday was a peculiarly hard day I was Receiving the trasportation for the Reg this consisted of seventy eight mules many of them as wild and unruly as you could immgeon animals that had never been handled could be yet I feel better to day than I did yesterday Indeed I am Entirely restored Except the lingering effect of the cold I have taken which I think I will now get shet of as the weather (so long damp and cloudy) has turned most spring like and pleasant
     It is almost as hard for us here to have acurate information of military facts and moves that are taking place around us as it is for you who are at a great distance This place is at present the Head Quarters of General Grant He was before we came and has been since consentrating large forces at a point some 15 miles above here When we came there were large numbers of troops at this place but they have mostly all been sent up the river The probability with us is that we will be left

as a kind of a post at this place until after a battle has been fought between our forces and the rebels at or not fare from Corinth We all believe an Engagement inevitable soon some where in that neighborhood The Rebels are said to have a large force there and if reports be true we will have a very large one for it is said that Gen Grant awaits the arival of General Buel [i.e., Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell] which will augment his force to over 100,000 men This is the best information we can get it may be fare from acurate
Lt Col Jones and Capt Townsend arived in Camp today and brought us tidings of home which was indeed welcome I was sorry to learn of Genea indisposition [i.e., Eugene Thomas (b. c1858), the author's son] but hope before this he is well Tell him & Scott [i.e., Scott Thomas (b. c1856), the author's son] they shall still have their soldiers cap if I Ever get Back
Tell Jane [i.e., Jane Young] the name she has given the youngster suits me very well
     Capt Townsend got my horse no farther than St Louis It seems the horse did not arive in time to be shiped on bord the boat he came up the Tenneesee on and he ordered him back to Evansville to Richardsons

and Brittons Stable If you have got no word of him Either get some person to write to Evansville or send John down and know But if you have got word that he is there send John down at once and have him brought home I very much regret that I sent for him for I fear he is lost But find out at once whether he got back to Brittons & Richardsons or not and if so get him home and keep him there
     I saw Isaah Richardson [i.e., Pvt. Isaiah E. Richardson, Co. K, 25th Indiana Infantry] a day or two ago on his way to Join the 25th Reg He was in good health and for one so young so fare from home and among strangers he seemed to be in fine spirits The 25th is some 15 miles above us We all feel anxious to meet with them but for the present this cannot be
     I was glad to learn that John and Fred were applying themselves in a business like way to their spring work Tell them that I hope they will so manage thing that they will suffer the least Embarassment With regard to the time of planting potatoes they will have to judge for themselves They had better have one small patch late however
Doant let the children neglect their books

Remember me to Jane & the children
George Thomas

When you write (and please write often) direct your letters to George Thomas Q. M 53rd Ind Vols and then your letters will fall on the Regiment