1862 February 10 McPhersons

I am just as when you
left, this morning. I had no opportunity
of sending this to camp yesterday.
Send it by Tatum this morning--no war
movement about here. The enemy have
been firing this morning across the
river; we presume to celebrate the fall
of fort Henry. I did McMilin perhaps in-
justice above: for his face is swollen
this morning some. I hear to day that
recruits who entered the service after
the company was organized have to serve
twelve months from the time they
entered the service. this would detain me
you know until about the 28th of October. To
this I have no serious objection. Indeed I would
much prefer serving through the summer
campaign, provided I would be released at the end
of that time. This will enable me to do so. Reenlisting wd:
not, so I view it rather as a priviledge than otherwise.

[Written in the top margin on page 1]
Ask George how "Puffs is? My dear Father you do not
know how often I have thought of the inconven-
ience you must have suffered from your
long & tedious journey. How much sleep
did you get the night you left me? Were you
tired much when you reached Rich. or Home? Give my
best love to mother & all. dearest father farewell

Most affect: Yr/son W. H. Perry Jr.

William H. Perry. Jr., 1836-1915, Richmond Howitzers

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 7786-d