The author of this letter remains unidentified. He may have have been a member of either the 24th Missouri Infantry or the 1st Nebraska Infantry as both regiment moved from Helena, Arkansas, to Sulphur Spring, Missouri in early October 1862—an event that was mentioned in this letter. His name appears to read, “S. J. Mead” but I may be mistaken. He mentions sending money by Express to Brownsville. There was a town named Brownsville in Saline county, Missouri, that changed its name to Sweet Springs after the Civil War. There was a Mead family enumerated in the 1860 US Census in Jefferson, Saline county, Missouri but the 20 year-old Lemuel J. Mead does not appear to have had military service prior to 1863 and I can’t find a Mead in the 24th Missouri Infantry.

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[St. Louis, Missouri]
October 13th 1862

Folks at home,

As I have changed my place of abode to Old Benton Barracks again, I thought I would write and let you know where I was and how I am getting along. I am not very well at the present time. I am complaining of my right lung being affected and the chronic diarrhea. Our regimental Dr. gave me a furlough two two weeks ago and I got all ready to come home except getting it signed by the Post Surgeon and just the evening before I went to him, orders came for no more furloughs to be signed which knocked me out of getting to come. I then was gave my Descriptive Roll and sent to St. Louis to the Convalescent Hospital at the barracks.

The Regiment came up as far as Sulphur Springs 25 miles below St. Louis. We had a very worrisome trip of about 600 miles on the boat and but little to eat on the trip. I am at a good place now and plenty to eat of everything. I do not know whether I can get to come home from here or not for there is so many sick here and they won’t give a furlough unless a man is at the point of death. But I am going to try and see or else I am going to get a discharge from the service if possible just as soon as I can get it.

We have been paid off and I have some money to send home, but I shall not send it until I see further about coming home. I will write and let you know when I am going to send it. I will send to Brownstown by Express. As I have nothing more to write, I will close for this time. Write soon.

Direct to Benton Barracks, Convalescent Hospital No. 2 and all will come right. No more. — S. J. Mead

R. W. Mead