Houston Texs. Thursday Septr. 26.1861

Dear People at Home,
Having been longer delayed at this place than we expected I embrace another opportunity of dropping you a hasty line. Alex and I are both in the enjoyment of very good health. So are the company, with some few exceptions, though nothing dangerous. I had a very severe attack of Cholera morbus, which gave me much pain for a few hours.

Our detention at this place has been partly owing to the want of transport wagons, as there is 140 miles of unconnected rail road between this and N. Orleans which will require slow conveyance in vehicles. It has been raining almost incessantly until within the last three days and we thought it best to remain in comfortable quarters than to go into the swamps of Louisiana in wet weather. We have been here 16 days but calculate to get off in the morning. Five companies have gone on, and the other five companies of the Regiment are here ready to start. We have now 98 men in our company and are looking for others in. A full company is 116 men - rank and file - but 78 are received. All the companies ahead of us have 116 men each.

I have not heard a word from you for five months and I feel really uneasy, lest some providential mishap has befallen some of you. Though I hope and trust not and that we may be spared and protected, until the war is over and I can return to you who I hold most dear, and spend, yet, many a happy day!

We have a very jovial company. All are Americans except one Irish and one Dutch. But few are over thirty years old, and many under twenty. We have Lawyers, Doctors Editors and in fact jacks at almost all professions. All are seeking fame, honor, distinction, and more than all, the political rights of our beloved country.

There has ben but one accident in camp, one of our men accidentally cut his knee very bady but will not agree to be left behind.

All the boys are eaching for a fight, and if they wer come to it, they will either make a big victory or be a bad cut up Regiment. Houston is a dull place, half the business done here now is with the soldiers and most of that is little press squads, who press the Jews for whatever they want and then tell them to charge it to Jeff Davis. This had ben carried to such an extent that none of the Jew shops will keep open after dark. The police will not trouble the soldiers at no hours.

The people at Galveston are very much excited, they are expecting their little island attacted and their city burnt but say they will whip them if ever they attempt to come on shore. Many are removing their families to this place for protection.

We get very good fare, plenty of coffee and Sugar meal and flour, dry bread, Beefe and Bacon.

I am of opinion that the war will not last longer than Christmas. I think if we can hold the field until their Congress meet, which will be in December, that our Independence will then be acknowledged.

Write to me soon and often. Direct your letters to me and to the care of Capt Evans in Terry & Lubbocks Regiment Richmond Va - and they will reach us.

Remember me to all the family & friends and for the present

I bid you farewell
Your affectionate son
William