File:Letter signed H.W. Hale (Henry W. Hale), Camp Benton (St. Louis), to Leroy, January 9, 1862.jpg

Includes detailed description of the layout of Benton Barracks, and food available there. Stationery includes illustration of Benton Barracks.

January 9th 1861[1862]

Friend Leroy

I have not heard anything from any of You since I was there although I have written Bina twice since once from Grand Rapids and once since our arrival here but have never received any answer.

I thought it was about time for me to write to You according to promise and hope You will reply on Receipt we have been here since the 1st of December in the Picture at the head of this Sheet You have a correct view of the Head Quarters [and] Part of the Barracks of this Spacious Camp these are two Rows of Barracks 1 mile Long each [and] 2 Rows 1/3 of a mile in Length with a Parade Ground 1 mile Long by 1/3 of a mile wide also another one in the Rear 70 Acres in one Square Peice. Each made as smooth & Level as a House Floor. There are now about 20,000 Troops in this Camp and about 40,000 more in various Camps [and] Fortifications in and about the City. We have now got our Horses Saddle Swords [and] all Equipments except our Revolvers [and] Revolving Rifles with with which we are to be furnished

I have got a Splendid Coal Black Horse 7 Years Old 16 Hands high sound as a Bullet and Proud as Lucifer on Parade. Rides Like a Cradle.

He is my best friend in Camp and I think about as much of him as a Brother. How Long we shall stay here of course we know nothing about but I think we shall remain until Spring at any rate and Yet we might be ordered away in two weeks.

We Fare very comfortably have Plenty of Fresh Beef Salt Pork Potatoes Soft Bread Onions Cabages Hominy [and] Rice also Milk [and] Butter if we Buy them and of course I will not go without these two last when money will Buy them. There is also Resteraters[Restaurants?] on the Ground where a man can go and get Oysters and as Good a meal of anything he is a mind to call for as he could get at any first class Hotel in any City So that if a man has none he can get most anything he wants on the Ground except Intoxicating Liquors none of which are allowed to be sold not even Ale or Cider which is as is should be for it if were not so the Camp would be a Perfect Hell upon earth all the time

The Soldiers pass their time when not only duty in Reading. writing. Lounging. Playing Cards. or Ball or anything which fancy or inclination may dictate with always more or less dancing in the Evening

The Health of the Camp is generally very good although our entire Regiment has been affected with a very severe form of contagious Influenza and there has been no cessation to the coughing [and] Barking among the men night or day. it is wearing off some now. It is the muddiest time I ever saw, weather warm [and] Foggy. I think of nothing more to write now give my best regards to all Your Family also remember me to Carpenter [and] any others who may enquire be steady get You a good wife settle down [and] go ahead and when I come back I will see You I do not believe this War will last long I think that in Spring it will be wound up in a hurry.

Be sure and write me on receipt of this for nothing comes so acceptable to a Soldier in Camp as Letters from Friends at home direct to me Co. L. 3 Regiment Mich[Michigan] Cavalry Camp Benton St Louis Mo

Yours as ever

H. W Hale[Henry W. Hale]