No 2
On board steamer Continental Oct 19th /63
Dearest Mary.  I did not have an opportunity to write at Cairo but will improve the present as well as I can under the circumstances.  I had a verry pleasant trip to Cairo.  I left Davenport at half 9 A.M. & arrived at Cairo next morning (sunday) at at 7 1/2.  The 8th cavalry were embarking on the cars for Louisville Ky when I left them at the depot.  They are by this time at Louisville.  I cannot well describe my feelings when biding adieu to all that I love when I crossed the River & began to speed away to the south.  My family scatered - one left at home - lonely & in suspense the other going away to Join in scenes of conflict under a daring & fearless leader - Whilst I am being borne rapidly away to scenes not less peaceful.  We cannot tell what the future of our family may be. we are much divided at present. but let us hope & pray that the time may soon come when we will be reunited.
 I expect we shall have a tedious trip - the river is verry low & we have Just now run on a sand bar.  The Continental is a large boat. has a barge on each side. there is quite a number of soldier on board - all the N W states are represented.  The weather has been beautiful since I left you except on Saturday, it rained from 9 oclock until about 3 - since that time the weather has been as fine as can be desired
