Kentucky, Camp Cumberland, January 31, 1862

You need not write to me now as I am ready to make a trip to Minnesota, so it is probable that I will visit you in February if everything goes as planned.

Here are eight men of 2nd Minnesota regiment that are chosen to go to Minnesota to enlist men to join our regiment so as to get it up to full strength again.

I am the only one from company E. The others going with me are officers. I am only a first class private.

The highest commandant can send either one of us to the part of Minnesota he decides on, but I am somewhat acquainted with him so I think he will do me the favor of sending me to my home community. Many in our company are jealous of my luck, many offered me fifteen dollars for my place, but I am tired of being here doing nothing, and we might get to stay in Minnesota several months.