Following letter appears to be from David McHatton (49th Regiment Enrolled Mo. Militia?) to relatives. Letter found in a McHatton relatives possessions in Palestine, Crawford county Illinois. Hope this proves interesting to someone.

Pike County, Missouri March 13, 1864

Dear Uncle and Aunt

I take my pen to inform you of my whereabouts and to let you know that myself and little family are still in the Land of the Living and doing as well as we can expect under the present circumstances. I mean this cruel war it is needless for me to say much to you in regard to the difficulties in Mo. for I know you are acquainted with all the public prints. I have never belonged to the regular army. I have been in the home guard or Enrolled Mo. Militia Service since the commencement of this infernal war. We get to stay at home the most of the time. Are only called out when actually needed.

We have to fight the querrillas and bushwhackers and we have no small foe to deal with with when the leaves are on the trees. I have written to you long since but have need no answer so, Uncle Sam, if you are still in the Land of the Living I will expect an answer to this as soon as it comes to hand. I am anxious to hear from you all although I have seen any of you. But you (Alexander) and Aunt Sally--I know you are McHattons and that is enough. I like that stock better than any other. This war has made enemies amongst kinfolks. My English kin in Mo. are some of the (?one word) no exception to the rule. Ellis still lives in Kentucky near Mumsfordsville. The union and southern armies have ruined that region you can have but little idea of the devastation that two such contending armies make while passing through. His fencing has been burned 3 times for fires for the soldiers and all the timber pretty much that whole country--is a perfect waste. The southwest portion of Mo. is in the same fix-this county has suffered as little as any other in the state. Sam is in the Union army and has been taken prisoner twice and once exchanged and once recaptured. He is now wounded slightly in the right foot. Ried (?) in a fight near the Arkansas line. He is a wild colt and soldering suits him very well. He has a wife and 2 children. Bill was on picket guard. The Rebel rushed up on him with gun in hand. Bill gave him the contents of his musket. The man was one of his neighbors. Our county is exempt from the draft. It has more than done its duty. Enough of the war news. Times are pretty good. That is money is plenty. I entend to sell out and leave Mo. when this war is over but not before. I will go back to Indiana though this is a better country to make money than that. Yet I am not satisfied though I am doing well enough. Uncle Sam, I have not got Pa's likeness and I want yours. You are more like him than anybody else and I want it for you and him both. Don't consider this a foolish notion of mine. I am very anxious for it and will expect it when I receive your answer to this which I hope to receive soon. Give my love to all the kin and reserve a due portion to yourselves.
Your nephew
David McHatton