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Letter from Capt. Bridgeford.

CAMP CAIRO, Jan. 21, 1861.

DEAR COLONEL: We left Camp Douglas on the 15th inst., all well, except Charles Linn and Charley Post, who we left in the hospital. At 5 o'clock our train started with the 45th regiment of Illinois volunteers for Cairo, which place we reached in due time and without accident, and at 9 o'clock p.m., January 16th, marched to our quarters — the most filthy place it was ever my lot to be placed in. Most of the troops that have been stationed here were on an expedition down the river, under Gen. Grant. Yesterday the 18th and 21st regiments returned, and to-day the 27th and 30th have returned. All the soldiers look care worn and fatigued, having been out ten days, the weather being very dull and rainy.

Since I have been here, I have visited Ft. Holt, across the river, and also the camp at Bird's Point, which places are well fortified. I have visited the fort at this place, and everything seems to be in good order.

I have, through the kindness of some of the officers, visited some of the gun-boats that are lying here. They are certainly curiosities to us country chaps who are not used to all the implements of war.

There is at this time four companies of infantry here from Mercer county.

The mud here is very deep, and this great city is certainly one of the most God forsaken towns I ever was in; it is nothing but mud, mud. But we still live in hope that the watch word will be "Forward, march!"

Our boys are all well, and anxious for a chance at "secesh."

Yours respectfully,
O. A. BRIDGEFORD,
Co. I., 45th Ill. Vol.