McCain Civil War Letter, Winn Parish, LA
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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Letter dated June 20, 1861, Fort Smith, Arkansas


"Mr. & Mrs. Dunn

Dear Friends

I this evening seat myself having a few moments of time know of no way in
which to interest myself better than to address absent friends  These lines
leaves me in good health hoping they may come safe to hand by due care of the
mail and find you and your family enjoying good health.

I have nothing of much importance to communicate to you on this occasion and
there is one thing they boy complains about twenty five letters and recd. one. 
I think all the company together have recd about a half doz letters  I have
written about a doz to Van  Recd one  We are at this time stationed at Fort
Smith, Ark but cannot say how long we will remain here.  Some talk of us
leaving for M(?) in a few days  The health of the company is very bad.  Some
twenty of them are sick.  I have just got up from a spell of sickness had the
measels which lasted me seven days.

As some of the boys wants to write a few lines I will close hoping to hear
from you soon.  write as soon as you recd this give my love to Mr. Townsends
family.  And recd the same

I am your friend

J M McCain

Direct your letters to Fort Smith Ark Care Cap Peirson 3d reg La"

(Copied from copy of letter given me by Mayor Steve Gunn, Montgomery, La.,
great-great grandson of 1st Lt. J. Matt. McCain, author of this letter and
pioneer of Winn Parish.  Mr. McCain served Winn Parish twice in the La.
legislature, also serving as assessor, registrar of voters, and in many other
public capacities.  He was a Mason and one of the most popular men of Winn
Parish.  He cast the deciding vote that killed the corrupt La. Lottery and
turned down bribes ranging into the thousands of dollars.  Submitted by
Greggory Ellis Davies, Winnfield, Winn Parish, LA.)