Camp Denison,
November 28th, 1861

Dear Rachel

I take my pencil in hand to inform you that I am well, with the exception of a small boil which annoys me exceedingly. We left Camp Tiffin Wednesday at 3 P.M & marched down to the Depot. There were so many detailed out of each company to stand at each end of the car to keep the soldiers from going out among the number. I was chosen as one. The guards marched down before the regiment and formed a line on each side of the cars to keep the Citizens from crowding the Soldiers. After they got seated the cars did not move until 7 P.M. And thene I stood guarding the door from 7 P.M. until 1 P.M. to-day (Thursday).

The minute I took the hint that we were going I tried to get a boy to go out and tell Joseph that we were going but failed to get one. I then went down to the guard line & seeing a gentleman riding along I inquired of him if he were going past Dr. Days. he said he was. I told him to let Joe know that we were going; he did so. Joseph came in about noon however he could not get into the camp but went to town & waited until I came down. He had a long hunt for me. At last he found me guarding the cars. He then told me to take good care of myself & if I got sick to let him know which I thought was very kind of him. Well after dark

Joseph came to me again with a pitcher of coffee, two pieces of pie & some doughnuts & cold beef which Mrs Rogers had prepared for me. Well, Rachel I must tell you something about our arrival at Camp Denison. When we came here it was raining right smartly. I looked out of the car window & saw troups moving in every direction through the mud. I then asked myself the question who wouldn't be a soldier? I cast my eyes to the right & saw hundreds of troop horses & to the left I saw a great number of cannon which made me think more about war than ever. Well Rachel I must tell you what kind of a place we have moved

into. Our barracks are 120 ft. long & 25' wide fixed off with three rows of bunks the whole length of the building. There are a great many such buildings in the Camp, but I have not saw around enough yet to fix any number of them. There are to be two stoves in it & one cook stove in an outhouse for cooking. Well Rachel I promised to tell you all that was going on & to keep nothing back. We have the Rebels to fight & the body lice beside. Samuel Miller found six & more or less throughout the camp. It is not for want of cleaning on our part but it has been owing to some low life scamps who have come in. Well Rachel I must stop hoping that this letter will find you all well. Write as soon as you can & keep me posted & I will keep you posted. I still remain your affectionate Husband.

Direct to the
Care of Capt Wm Spangler
16 Reg O.V.U.S.A.
Camp Denison, Ohio