Nov. 3d /62 Head Quarters 23rd Iowa Inf Camp Patterson Mo  
My Dearest Mary 
I have just return a fatiguing march into Arkansas. a distance of about 78 miles & back.  Companies A C & H of the 23 Iowa 2 co of 24th Mo and a portion of Stangs Battery (2, twelve pounders) constituted our force. We were to form a Junction with a Wisconsin Reg of cavelry at Pitmans ferry on Currant River a few rods south of the line between Mo & Arkansas. when we were to march on Pocahatus (I will state here before I forget it that I enjoyed the best of health at all times, & was able to march in my place in the front file the whole trip whilst a great many had to fall back to the wagons.)  You will doubtless before this reaches you see statements in the papers with regard to our rapid march & the rout of the enemy.  I should like if I could give you a clar
