Dear Brother,

I mailed a letter to Mother a week ago yesterday which I hope has been received. And a few days since I went to No. 5 and found a letter prom you written the 21st and one from Millie mailed from mother by this time as the mails come regularly by the way of the river. I have not heard from the Co. since the fight ended but understand that the Reg’ts is about used up. N. J. Pratt arrived here from Louisville lately. Has recovered his health and expects to start with Liet. Loose today for the Regt. They told us that John Butler had died in a hospital in this city but did not know where or when. Also that they had heard that Jim Shepherd was dead. It may be a mistake, he was left at Lancaster, Ky, to take care of another sick man in our Co. and it is probably that one that has died instead of Shepherd. Levi Macombs died at Louisville some time since.

I have been quite unwell for a few days but think I am gaining now. I took a severe cold when I first came here. It settled on my lungs and I have been troubled with a pain in my breast for a few days. But I am doctoring for it now and hope it will disappear with my cold. Our work is not very hard for well men but all three of us are unwell. We have plenty of bread, beef, coffee, and sugar to eat but it does not suit us very well. I went out yesterday and bought some dried fruits. Dried apples and peaches are 20 cents per pound and butter 50 cents. I hope to get my box soon as freight is being brought via river.

The weather is mild, one can sit out doors for an hour without feeling uncomfortable and we have no fire in our room. I forgot to say, however, that finding the weather too mild I had a severe fit of the ague about a week since, by way of variety. It reminded me forcibly of Michigan. This building is rather uncomfortable but is better than camp. It has been used only about 2 months and improvements are being made in it. It was built by Gen. ______ for a hotel. Is [?]00 feet square and at least 80 ft. high. Between 4 and 5,000 are fed here some days. It takes a sight of business to carry on the institution. Some 60 or 70 men being detailed from the Army for that purpose. A lot of cooks, waiters, and wood choppers have been made to be turned into Ge. Mitchell commanding this post for him to sanction and notify our Co.‘s so that we shall get our extra pay and none of our officer’s can oblige us to join the regt unless we wish to do so. I think we are very fortunate in getting this situation. If we have our health, we will not be obliged to work over half the time. And can get a pass to go around town whenever we please. I send one[.] [W]e have had an awful battle and I believe they are fighting yet. The city is full of wounded soldiers and dead officers are being brought in every day. I cannot but believe the war will be settled in one way or another by summer.

Philo Ingraham is in this building. He has been wounded in the hand having lost the use of his right thumb. He belongs to the 16th Regular Inf. and enlisted last spring. While the Regt was in Columbus Ohio, his wife came to see him and died there.

I shall be glad to have you write often. Direct simply to my name Nashville, Tenn. Don’t think of much more to write. Love to all. I hope it will not be long before I will see you again. It seems rather funny that I have hired out way down here in Tenn. I don’t feel at all like a soldier now.

Yours very truly, Chauncy H. Peck

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