Will Yates to Henry Yates

Head Qrs 1st Cav Brigade

La Grange Jany 23d 1863

Mr Henry Yates

Carter

Ills

Dear Father

I am happy to anounce you I have safely arrived at my place of destination and am now on duty.

I was cordially received by Cols Crierson and Loomis and other Officers and men. I think I shall be much pleased with the Cav Service at least I am well satisfied with indications so far. Col. Loomis of the 26th Regt Ill Vol is in Comd of this Post. I was at there Camp a few moments yesterday. I saw Jas Yates Dick Ellis and the other boys from Berlin in Capt Harris Company. They are well and in good spirits. Dick seems to be a little dissatisfied with some of his officers otherwise, he is doing well. Jas Yates looks better than I ever saw him before. I think the service agrees with him much. I am now assigned to Col. Griesons Staff. Who is now

accting Brig Gen. or is in Comd of the Cav Bigrd.

I saw a man yesterday from Jackson Tenn he is a resident of the place - and seems to be very well acquainted with Henry - he says Henry is well, in fine spirits, and still in Comd of the ordinance stores, at that place.

This town I judge from its general apperance has been a place of no little importance but its parks and other ornamental surroundings are now only decayed relics of a once beautiful and aristocratic town. We have Contrabands here innumerable. I think they are the most degraded specimens of humanity I have ever witnessed. I would write more but, as I have an opportunity of sending this to Memphis to be mailed I must close.

I will write again soon. My love to all.

Your son

Will Yates

Will Yates 1862