E. Schwartze - November 22, 1861 - Paducah, KY

[Note: This letter is written on stamped Illinois stationary with a maker’s mark of “JAS. CATES CIN.”]

Paduca. [Paducah] November 22nd 61

Mrs.. Chapin Dear Friend

I thought that I would write a few lines to you since it has rained, and we do not drill I thought I would have a little time, now before going to water my horse. It rained about half the night last. and I was standing Guard but I only stood about two hours while it was raining. almost all the obys of Company J is in town and haveing a good time amongst them selves. we have had pleasant wheather all the time ever since we have been here. and it has been raining last night but it is cleared off now. but it is rather muddy now. we have to drill every fornoon and fix up as well as we can and go on parade drill in the afternoon and march about five miles out in the Country and back which take us till dark. Paduca is a very nice town it has gravil streets all over town Their is soldiers placed all over town and the town is well fortified so I dont think the secess will get in here very soon for there is three thirty-two pound Cannons placed on the outskirts of town and two or three sixty four pound Cannons on the banks of the river. Their is not a great many sick at this time but a while back their was a great many sick ones The other day some of the Infantry Company boy went out scouting and captured about 400 bushels of wheat 60 fat hogs a lot of horses and mules and took a couple prisoners. Mr. Bradshaw was one of them that went to take them. Jess. Robison is here in paduca. I saw him this morning in town. I guess that is all I have to say this time I have to go and water my horse now. so Good by.

E. Schwartze

PS please Kiss Maggie for me. I have put something in for Maggie. Good By

E. Schwartze

Direct your letters to me in of Capt. C Vieregg Co. J. illinois Cavelry

Paducah, Kentucky

1861