The 8th Kansas Infantry continued to march in pursuit of the forces under Confederate general Braxton Bragg, who was trying to take control of Kentucky. Since his last letter, James marched 22 miles to Mount Washington, Kentucky. On October 1, 1862, there was a skirmish on the Bardstown Pike, near Mount Washington.

James was part of a large force that was in pursuit of Braxton Bragg in the state of Kentucky. Photograph by Charles Taber, New Bedford, Mass., 1861–1865. Missouri History Museum.

Camp near Mount Washington
Oct. 2d 1862

My Dear Molly -

Just after William left, we got marching orders & so we started yesterday at daylight. We made but a short distance from various causes always incident to commencing a march with a large army. Today we are facing the enemy, but we are the reserve, these new conscript have done the fighting. Yes we were near enough to hear the cannon & musketry & we advance to­morrow, if they're not run away to take them on a charge

Tis said they’re gone. I hope they wont run far as I dont wish to follow them to Alabama again.

William came to see me per agreement, and I had a very pleasant afternoon though quiet sitting on my blankets. We discussed a bottle of wine on the auspicious occasion. I was strongly tempted to run away for two days with him & see you & to see if I could not manage to get in a Missouri Regt. but duty held me fast. I feared this move.

Now my dear Molly take care of yourself. I am doing so - although it has been a wet day & is a wet night and all the command is wet too. I am dry - as you see & expect to be.

I am with Love & Kisses
Yours Sincerely
Love

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