Marshall Gates to Unknown

Pine Bluff Arks Dec 2/.64

Dear Abner.

Yours of the 16th Nov was gladly received late yesterday evening and its pages perused with interest. It found me enjoying very good health for this God forsaken Country, for it is the unhealthiest place ever man tried to live, the citizens all look pale as Death on a white horse, and as slender as a race horse. I answered your letter just as soon as I received it, why you have not received long ere this I know not, I suppose it has been lost on the way. You wanted to know how I liked the Service I have seen things I had rather be at than soldiering, so far as the duty is concerned I don't mind it, but when it comes to sit down to [illegible] and

have nothing but hard tack and them full of worms nearly 1/2 an inch long, and the fattest kind of Sow belly, I tell you I begin to get sick of of the service, Our grub has been very short ever since we came to this place, for reasons unknown to me. We only get mail here about once per month and hardly ever see a northern paper. I am glad old Illinois give Old Abe such a big majority, -I am in hopes he will make a 600000 draft and put an end to this infernal rebellion in a short time, for I am very anxious to see the end of this war. I want the draft to catch a lot of these Berlin Copperheads, we have some few McClelan men in our company, but a large majority for Abe and the Union, the [Regt?] took a vote and give Abe about two hundred majority. I have tramped over considerable of Arkansas since I came down last winter, have been

one right sharp little skirmish where the shell and shot flew thick and fast, but we made them skedaddle and followed them about twenty-five miles, took several prisoners killed some and took one piece of artillery. Rebels are very scarce around here now, once and awhile the scouts bring in a Guerrilla but very seldom, all very quiet on the Arkansas. We have got very comfortable winter quarters built and and are as cozy as you please. The bits are all well and full of life, Capt Shuff is as fat as he can be well. We are having very pleasant warm weather down here with an occasional shower to refresh us, I don't think we will have a very cold winter down here this winter, As for promotion I don't see any chance here and don't care for it, if you can get me on detached service up there any where it would

suit me better than staying down here. I have no news of importance to write so will close. Give my love to all the family and friends and relatives. and write soon to your Brother

Marshall Gates Co,. "A." 116 Ills., Vols.,