Soldier's Letter, 3 pages, 8vo., Pilot Knob, Mo., March 23, 1862. Charles R. Palmer ("KaneCounty" Co., Illinois Independent Cavalry, later transferred into Co. H, 15th Illinois Cavalry) writes to his mother:

"...We expect to start tomorrow on our journey down South...I told you to direct your letters to the 13th Ills. Cavalry ...They are the fourth Regt. that I have been in...General Steel the Commander of this post is forming a brigade and another Independent Company is to be his body guards.

Pilot Knob is the pleasantest place that I have seen in Mo. The reason that it is called Pilot Knob is because there is a great high Mountain and a great stone on top that runs up to a peak. I have been on top of it and could see all over the country. There is 3 little towns with is calling distant nestled down in a little valley and a little brook running through the middle. That is the description of the Pilot Knob.

There was one regiment of infantry and a battery left from here this morning. We have got our revolvers. They are six shooters. I do not know where where we shall go from here...Direct to Pilot Knob Mo. care Capt. O.H. Hunlley Independent Company A Ills. Cavalry."

Comes with the original postally used cover. Fine.