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Trip to Cairo by Dr. John C. Gill SUMMARY Dr. John C. Gill writes to his mother about his trip through Cairo, Kentucky to meet his regiment in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The experience was less than pleasant. "The very name of Cairo makes me sick at my stomach. It is a dirty, mean low town and the people that live in it partake of the same fascinating qualities." As soon as Gill arrives, someone (probably the proprietor of the hotel) steals his trunk. Gill hires a boy to search boats for it, appeals to the decency of the hotel owner, and eventually, drags the local law enforcement officials through every room in the hotel until they find it. He admits to his mother that the whole situation made him more than angry - even "mad." Gill finally joins his regiment in Baton Rouge and seems to be a little overwhelmed by the number of sick to attend to. The senior doctor left for New Orleans the day after Gill arrived placing all the medical responsibility on him. Gill writes, however, that the weather is very warm and that "Baton Rouge must have been a very pretty place before the breaking out of the war. Vegetation is out in all its beauty. Flowers in bloom and peaches are of good size." TRANSCRIPTION Baton Rouge, Louisiana April 13, 1864 My Dear Mother- I have not forgotten you and don't think that I ever will if I am somewhat dilatory in writing. My trip to this place was very tedious. I did not arrive at Cairo till Thursday night, on account of the rail road trains not making time. I had to lay over at Cincinnati a day and night and at a miserable little place called Odin. I was stowed away like baggage over night. And had to lay over at Cairo till Saturday night before a boat left for down the river. The very name of Cairo makes me sick at my stomach. It is a dirty, mean low town and the people that live in it partake of the same fascinating qualities. I had not been at the hotel an hour before my trunk was missing. I ordered it be carried up to my room but it could not be found. And the landlord was very indifferent concerning the matter. He said that he could do nothing about it that the trunk was not put in his possession or charge. I cannot imagine what a guest would be obliged to do to have his baggage placed in the charge of the proprietor of a first-class hotel. My trunk was put in the office and I registered my name at once and was given a room, occupied by Col. Spiegle by the request of the Colonel. What was necessary for me to do I am at a loss to conceive, but I was minus a trunk that was certain. I went to the baggage room at the depot but no trunk was there that I could lay claim to. I paid a boy to go to the different boats that were to leave that night, but the lost could not be found. I called upon the proprietor again and again for assistance and to inform me what to do, but he could do nothing. I asked him to look in the different rooms that it might be taken in some room by mistake. He pretended to send the poster around to the rooms given guests that arrived the same time I did, but no trunk could be found and no one had seen a trunk of the description I gave. One night passed over, the next day also and yet no trace of the trunk. I threatened the proprietors. They unconcernedly told me to pitch in; that they were not accountable; and this made me very angry. Yes, mad. I did pitch in. I went to the Provost Marshall, related my case. He sent with me four detectives with orders to examine every room of the house and if any resistance was offered to use their own judgment in the matter. They went with me and demanded to be shown every room in the house. The result was that my trunk was found in one of the rooms. The proprietor pretended to be much surprised, and I would have given him good reason, could I have remained there a few days longer, but there was a boat advertised to leave for New Orleans that night and I had to go, and I assure you I was not anxious to stay there any longer. Col. Spiegel I met at Cairo and he is a perfect gentleman, and one of the best officers in this department. Our regiment we found at Baton Rouge where we are now stationed. I am very much pleased with the officers and men of the regiment. Dr. Stanton appears like a very fine man. I have not seen much of him. He left for N. Orleans on business the next day and left me in charge of the regiment. There are quite a number sick. And I am kept quite busy. This is the reason I have delayed writing. I have not yet received my sash. (?) The package had not arrived at Cairo when I left there Saturday night. My health is good. How is Aunt Eliza. I hope she is no worse, give my love to her. I hope Mother that you are well. Take good care of yourself. Have you heard from Charley? Remember me to all, not forgetting little Ella. Has Dr. Capsener gone into the Army? Remember me to him & family. Also Dr. Strong and other friends. I wish that you would have some of the boys go to Dr. Strong's office and get my books. They are in the lower part of the book case. The weather here is quite changeable. Last night it rained very hard and today it is rather cold. But the past few days have been exceedingly warm. Baton Rouge must have been a very pretty place before the breaking out of the war. Vegetation is out in all its beauty. Flowers in bloom and peaches are of good size.I will write soon again. Your affectionate son, John |