A. Landers to unknown

Cairo April the 24th 1864

Your Excellency!

We wish heartily you would come down here and convince yourself of the miserable state we are in. Encamped in the imense quagmire round Cairo we are after having escaped the perils of war in imminent danger of being swallowed up by sickness. The alluvial soil round here is by the least rain converted into a swamp as we are at present wading ankle deep in the mud or in dry weather the stench, arising from the decaying vegetable matter is sure to finish up what bullets in the South could not do. I wish, every father and every mother in Illinois who has a son in the army might come down here and see with their own

eyes how the lives of the defenders of the country are trifled with, and I am sure a cry of indignation would rise over the land and hurl into merited disgrace the stupid planner of this Reorganisation Camp.

You always looked with the most scrupulous care upon the welfare of the Illinois soldiers, and are for that very reason almost idolized by them, even now the only talk amongst them is : "If but Dick knew how we are situated, it would soon be altered." Well Sir, although but a private, I dare to let you known our situation, because I known if it is in your power, you will make an alteration. Send us up to the front, we will have a chance, or anyhow

die a honorable death but don't let your men rot away in the swamp or get disabled by rheumatism or fever

Most Respectfully I sign

Yours obedient Servant

A. Sanders Camp G 14th ill. vols.

Sanders A

14th ills Vols

Cairo April 24th 1864

Complains bitterly of the miserable state to which men are reduced by the natural difficulties surrounding this Camp.