cams_bawatson_b3153_f003_001_03

another smart place, we have passed through the cities of Philadelphia
and St Louis places that you have read of. We reached our camp
at five o clock [o'clock] in a beautifull [beautiful] vally [valley] surrounded by hills from
which gushed some of the most beautifull [beautiful] spring which I
have seen since I left my Native Tennessee having made
today twenty eight miles.

Tuesday 3 -- left camp this moring [morning] in the rain. Our India
rubber keeping us dry. Marched today through a fine Country
under the bluffs passed through "Kinderhook" made a
push to pass some ox teams ahead of us which we did
and arrived at camp on the snicarty [Snicarte] slough a shute [chute]
of the Mississippi River. the rain pouring down incessantly
all day prospects for the night very discourageing [discouraging] wood
scarce & wet, had some music, which raised the spirits
of the boys lay down at nine ocloc [o'clock] and passed the
best night since I left your sweet arms, made today
sixteen miles.

Wednesday 4 -- Crossed the river in a steam ferry boat
and landed at "Sapio" 1 1/2 miles Above the Hannibal having
ferried ten miles. Reached Hannibal at 10 oclock [o'clock] a boat
had just arrived for St Louis, which I went aboard of and
left in fifteen minutes. Company all well, arrived at St Louis
at 10 at night. The wind blew so cold I could not enjoy
the scenery very much shall stay on board the boat tonight.

Thursday 5 -- Took lodgings at the Missouri Hotel, such a
crowd there was no chance to get a room, met Naves in the
Telegraph office, met N. G. Shepherd in the street and concluded
to take up lodgings with him at the Main street house, Met T. B.
Fisher, Bill Pease, & T. T. Whitehurst, got the blues again