Camp Key Feb. 6, 1862

Beloved wife

I rec'd yours & Mr. Rogers letter to-night and will answer them to-night by writing you and him jointly & severally. First I will inform you that your rocking chair was shiped per Steamer Tenn. 2 days since. When a wagon goes to Bell's landing send for it and try to get them to be careful and not injure it. You speak of the pigs not doing well. Do they have water regularly and enough? Let Mr. Rogers do with them what he thinks best under the circumstances. I am afraid, if they are at all next fall they will have eaten their heads off. I think corn will be high but it is a small matter any way. 

Mr. Rogers wrote that he had collected the Plumlee judgment. One half that money is going to Mr. Frazier. We got it for defending Rody Lewis. If Mr. Frazier is owing us on acct. for last year cr. him with 1/2 the amt. and let you have the rest and I will charge it to Mrs. Neill. Mr. Frazier ought to be told about it. Mr. Rogers wrote about a cr. on the Amos Simmons debt of $12. He halled the iner. from Rody's and then I think there was a credit filling w buggy wheel for cousin Sam which amt he ought to pay. See him. I don't know what advice to give Mr. Rogers about our business except close it up as much as possible. I had some bills struck which no doubt has reached you before now. I wrote to father on the subject of getting to close up our business. I think it ought to be done and don't know any one else that could do it better. Will not the Skillern boys pay the ballance of that acct? I think they have wheat. They certainly will pay the acct. with out a suit. See the boys and try them.

I was sorry to hear of Mr. Rogers' loss of his horses and mules but as old Matthew Pendegrass (says) "Since its no better, I'm glad its no worse". It is probable that I will get to Cumberland river before Mr. Rogers will. Our regiment has been ordered to join Gen. Crittendon and as soon as our boys on furlough can get in we will go. Many of our Reg. will go reluctantly not having confidence in him. I have confidence that if its best he will be removed. I don't think that there will be any more fighting with that division this winter. I am tired of Knoxville. If our Reg. were paid off I would be willing to go. Many of our boys need money to leave with their friends, families. I want to leave some with you to buy your coffee and sugar. 

Some of our companies have only the pressed rifles but generally have tolerably good guns. I think we could, at least, do some pretty good running.

It is the opinion of some that the yankees will certainly try to come to E. Tennessee. I think it will be a bold stroke. I don't think it at all probable that they will make an effort. In fact an army of any size could not be supported any size unless they could get this railroad. We will not be uneasy about their coming in soon unless it is in small guerilla squads. I think the valley people ought to be vigilant and report if any should make their appearance there so they can be cut off. I think there is as much danger of them coming in there as any portion of E. Tenn. There is a considerable cavalry force in Morgan & Scott counties that would cut off any small force. Still it would be a reckless thing in anyone to come. I don't believe any will be so fool hardy. 

My sheet is full. Show this to Mr. Rogers. Let me hear from you or he.

Yours truly

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
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