(No 77)  
Camp of 23rd Iowa Vol Inft  
Near Mobile Ala May 18th 1865
  My Dear Wife:  We are yet in Camp awaiting Orders.  It is said that our mail has been detained at N. O & if so it looks as if we may soon go over;  It is difficult to know what we will, as there is nothing definite yet with regard to what portion of the army wil be mustered out, or Just when any portion of it will be so fortunate.  We must be patient & wait our time, But I am getting very impatient.  I feel as if I had done all I could & now want to be at home:  Jester is out to our Camp this morning - he is looking for Mrs. Hedge every day - he has rented a house & bought furniture, a cow, chickens &c, they are going to housekeeping in the Citty.  He is doing (aparantly) a good buisness - & I think they have a good many of their aristocratic ideas worked out of them & they may do very well - We'll let them wont we?
Yesterday our camp was thrown into wild excitement - I need not say "wild" excitement, for we have got over such things, the excitement of a veteran Soldier is deep & silent. - I cant describe it, but as I was about to remark - the news of the Capture of Jeff Davis & a part of his fleeing band by Gen Wilsons Cavelry - was hailed with Joy - some of the boys threw up their hats & Jumped around like fun - Well isn't it a good Joke on "Jeff" "We'll hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree" &c
