Dear Minerva

     You will see from the abov that we have arived at Memphis This has been for some time an unlooked for Event When I wrote to you last I believed we were permanent seteled at La Grange for some time But on the 17th inst we were sudenly and unexpectedly ordered to be ready to march and on the 18th we started for this place and arived here last Evening It seems to be the impression amongst our officers that we will remain here some time This may or may not be so military orders are very uncertain we may be here a month or more and we may be ordered away in three days I want you if possible to come down as soon as possible But start prepared to be dissappointed It is proper that you should know that their is no certainty of finding us here If you should have started under the full assurence of meeting me here and I was gone I know it would go much harder than for you to know in advance that there was some uncertainty about it Now I want you to come at once and it will be an interesting trip to you any how But I think we will be here You say you can get company at any time I suppose there will be a number coming down and that you will have no difficulty in getting suitable company I doant want you to let the little doubt there is about finding us here prevent you from coming Furnish yourself with what Ever you need Doant be two calculating about the Expences When you arive go to some one of the best Hotels. I would say the Commercial or Cuyosa (pronounced Cuy.o.Sa) Then send some one with a note to me. Remember we

are in the 4th Division (or Hurlbuts [i.e., Brig. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut's] Division in this way you can learn our whereabouts Enquire for the 4th or Hu

July 24th 1862

     At the above my light was blown out by a severe storm that sudenly came up and the next morning I found myself quite unwell I am just now getting properly Straitened up as we term it I was not confined at any time but so much indisposed that I was hardly fit for business
     Since writing the first part of this letter I have heard the very unpleasant news of the raid that was maid on Newburgh It is indeed unpleasant to know that there are those at home who will assist rebels in invading the homes of the citizens of loyal states I hope to God that all such may receive the extreme penalty of the law There are some instances where ones sympathy must be Enlisted For instance Lieutenant Fuller [i.e., Lt. Benjamin Fuller, Co. I, 53rd Indiana Infantry] from Warrick County who is in our Reg has a brother taken prisoner for assisting the rebels in their invasion of his own town Dr Slaughter of Newburgh is Surgeon of our Reg and he has a son taken prisoner for the same offence I hope that the loyal citizens of Indiana will deal sturnly with their enemies whether at home or abod
     It is possible that communication may be interupted between here and the Ohio river I am inhopes however that our Gunboats will be able to keep navigation clear When my light was blown out I was just finishing giving you directions how to find the 53rd Reg when you get to Memphis Enquire for the 4th Division

It is commanded by General Hurlbut and if we are here their will be no difficulty in finding me in this way It may be possible that Events may take place rendering it impossible for you to come But if other Ladies who have friends here will risk getting here you can two So make the attempt if you have suitable company
     I will forbare giving any instructions in regard to how I want the farm managed hoping that you may be down and we can come to some understanding about what is best
     I must now close as I have to start to the City on business We are about one and half miles from City
     Remember me to all the family and all friends

Your affectionate husband
George Thomas

     Since writing the within I learn that Gen. Veatch his written to Mrs Veatch and Matt not to come until they Telegraph for them You had better see them and if they get a disptch that it is safe to come get them to let you know and come with them It may be that others will risk coming before this hapens if so you Exercise your judgement about it

George Thomas