1862 May 25 Corinth, Mississippi

Corinth Miss   25 May 1862
My dear Little Nannie:
                                          Since writing to our Mother[,] Clark has
been quite easy and has steadily improved under close
attendance by Dr. Brodie, who prescribes nothing but Brandy
toddies and an occasional dose of Morphine – He exam-
-ines & dresses the wound daily, using (after washing the sores)
only fresh lint & new bandages – Clark complains of no
soreness bout the Chest, and granulations progressing
finely – He sits propped up in the bed – sometimes stands
for a moment on the floor & though he feels almost
able to start home says he will not go until Brodie
says so – We will probably leave here in the cource of
a week or ten days, going by Rail Road to Mobile, thence
to Montgomery by steam-boat, at which last place
I shall be glad to hear from your Father with
instructions as to the Cotton investment, if he is
still in the notion of buying at 8 cents or less –
When I was at Montgomery a great many holders were
moving their Cotton by Rail Road & other means to the
country; but a larger portion was being concentrated
for burning. At that time (as yet I presume) it could
have been had for 7 ½  cents pr. lob. I hope the enemy
may not occupy Mobile before we are ready to start
for Montgomery – In that event we will have to go
by stage from Meredian Miss 40 miles across to Selma Ala.
          The whole Army here marched out day
before yesterday to cut off a portion of the

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left wing of the enemy’s army about four miles
from this; but the scheme was abortive because Gen.
Van Dorn missed the way & did not get in posi-
-tion at the right time – The troops were in fine
condition & eager for a fight; having just been ad-
-dressed by Revd. Mr. Palmer of N. Orleans, on the
subject of the late disreputable order of Genl Butler
at New Orleans –
          During his prostration Clark has been favored
in almost every way – Numerous nice friends – call
to see him & tender contributions to his comforts, and
the weather being all the time cool seems to have
had reference to his case –
          If I did not know that I am perfectly
welcome to my place at Capt. Cummins’ table I
should feel as an intruder –
          Give my love to all at home & tell
the  Capn. he must be a good boy –
                                  Your Own                                      
                                              Choctaw
P.S. – On my arrival at Montgomery I will enquire
at the Post Office & Telegraph Office for
communications from the Colonel -

William King of the Saltville Artillery

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6682