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[begin upside-down writing] Direct to Memphis [upside-down writing end]

Headquarters 97, at mouth of White river, Jan. 8, 1863, Dear Sister, I finished a letter to you this morning, with the expectations that a mail boat would go up river to day, wheather it has gone or not I do not know. As the boys have been laying in their claims for the Alton bounty I thought it best to follow suit. I do not expect it will do any good, but it can do no harm tor try my hand, for they can not make any more than a euchre, to do their best. The parties to apply to are Dr. English, and John Hayner, of the firm of Nelson & Hayner. If ever I was tired of anything it is of laying around and doing nothing on the boat. Friday Afternoon. We started at noon and are now