Letter from my G grandfather, Almon Keeler Raff, to his cousin Frank (Frances) Raff Ebi in Davenport. He must have disliked his first name because he always went by his middle name, Keeler, or a nickname, Marty. This letter is typed verbatim. Camp plenty, Camp beauty. (But-at-present-Camp rainy & sloppy.) And Camp of the 19th Ohio Vets Sept. 20th, 1864 Dear Frank, This is a wet chilly and disagreeable day. "fine day" however for young ducks, tadpoles, hipupthomases, alligators, and all such varmints what likes to woller in mud puddles. But very unpleasant for Soldiers whos houses leak, (particularly those who are subject to slight attacks of the blues.) "people who cant swim, and who are so unfortunate as to possess leaky boots," and darkies who love to bask in the smiles of friend Sol. If the weather continues this way several weeks, I'll be a used up boy, ("all-but-that-now.") The roof of my shanty leaks-dont turn rain better than a seive. Sunday fixins and finery all wet; as well as bed and bedding: And if the sun dont make its appearance soon, they will be for-ever ruined. "If Solomon shouldn't come out tomorrow." So that I can dry them, I'll button my coat up to my chin, pull my hat over my eyes, stuff my pants in my boots, and let things joy-along as they will; for-I dont care much wether "Abey" is elected or not, only-so the b! ig girls come. Frank I haven't got the blues but have the next thing to them.-the git-ups at all hours of the night.-the walk arounds. "That's what ailed the mule," and "that's what's the matter with me." Its that too that makes me so awful crusty. Haven't you noticed it? If not, just watch me how bite the words off. I know its wrong and wicked to let one's angry passions rize. But for the life of me I cant help it They will get the upper hand of me sometimes. After you have seen me biteing words-"By the way" did you ever see me biteing government rations? If you haven't you have miss a treat sure. Yes, more than a gallon jug full. But what I was going to say is this, After you have watched me biteing off the words so snappishly; turn to the first page and observe that heading. "Dont it look kinder savage?-ferocious-like-as though I was terribly put out about something? Dont it look aristocratic? Hasn't it got, I dont care a --, air about it? Yes, I'm troubled and my writein! g I fear would tell it, if I shouldn't, I shant tell anything more, but if you can get any further information from my writeing you are at liberty to do so; or any other man. Well, your letter was rec'd last week and found me well as usual. Have been very busy ever since we have been here making out my Quartermaster and Ordnance returns, so busy that I have not been half a mile from camp unless on duty. I do hope the Captain will soon return and take command for I am becoming very tired of acting Captain, and only drawing a Lieut's pay. Its not profitable. Heard from him a few days ago but he did not say when he should join us. Have you heard from Ebi since I wrote to Uncle? If you have let me know in your next as I am anxious to learn how he is doing. He was sent north to some Hospital. But know nothing more about him. The Colonel started for home this morning! He is doing first-rate, always cheerful and contented. I intended going to see Alf today but the rain prevented me! venturing so far from home. Rec'd a letter from May yesterday. They buried their little boy Frank on the 30th of last month. She wrote as though she was almost heart broken, and no doubt but they all feel his loss very much, as he was their only boy. I feel very uneasy about Auntie's letter, that it dont arrive. Hear the Rebels have again torn up the railroad, and who knows but what it has been captured. However time will tell. The most of this letter you'll observe by reading it-is all nonsence, but rest assured Im yet sane. Write soon, Frank, and send my shirts by telegraph. Love to all, K ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES