Detailed and lengthy Civil War soldier’s letter written by a member of the 16th Illinois Infantry, dated from “New Madrid Mo April 18th 1862,” composed aboard the steamboat “W. W. Thomas,” during active operations following the fall of Island No. 10; the writer recounts the rapid movements of Union forces under General John Pope, including river crossings, pursuit of retreating Confederate troops, and the capture of prisoners, arms, and ammunition; he describes marching through Tiptonville, Tennessee, and continued movements along the Mississippi River in coordination with gunboat and mortar flotillas; the letter offers a vivid firsthand account of the fluid campaign environment, including confusion of orders, transport logistics, and shifting assignments as troops prepared for further operations toward the Tennessee River and Corinth; notable for its length and narrative depth, the letter also includes personal reflections, references to missed correspondence due to constant movement, and commentary on pay, morale, and fellow soldiers; a strong Western Theater example tied directly to the Island No. 10 campaign and early Union river warfare strategy. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available

Good with typical fold lines from mailing and storage; moderate toning and scattered staining present, along with some edge wear and minor separations at fold intersections; ink remains strong and legible across all pages, and the letter retains full readability and structural stability.