To Winslow F. Sanderson, 23 December 1851
Nashville Tennessee. Decr. 23d. 1851
Maj W. F. Sanderson: Comdg. Rifles1
Sir.
I have the honor to acknowledge the recpt. of your letter communication this day.
For several days past, intense cold has prevailed here; the rain froze over in many places & fell, thereby closing navigation to Smithland; Telegraphic reports state the present impassable condition of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. For two days past a very great sleet has fallen hereabouts, which makes it impossible for me to proceed, via Louisville, & thro’ Indiana & Illinois the stage route: Today it has commenced thawing & weather greatly moderated. I have judged it better to attempt the river, which I am assured, will in all probability be passable in a few days.
I shall make such disposition to start at the earliest possible moment. I am sorry these orders have come at such a frozen up time as I am most anxious to join the Regt.
I have been quite unwell for a week past Serg’t Strong has also been on sick report until yesterday for near a week.
I shall not delay in obedience to these orders, but I fear considerable detention en route /& will soon write you./
Very Respectfully
yr obt svt
Th’ Claiborne, Bv Capt.
[Endorsed] acknowledge receipt of orders—of 15th. inst. and state cause of detention
1. Major Winslow F. Sanderson, Mounted Rifles, helped establish Fort Laramie and served as its commanding officer from 1849-1850. At the writing of this letter he was most likely serving at Fort Leavenworth. See Merrill J. Mattes, “Fort Laramie Park History: 1834-1977,” National Park Service; accessed 22 April 2008; available from http://www.nps.gov/fola/historyculture/upload/FOLA_history.pdf; and Leo E. Olivia, “Fort Atkinson on the Santa Fe Trail, 1850-1854,” Kansas Historical Quarterlies 40 (summer 1974): 212-233.↩