32nd Pennsylvania Infantry -Wounded at Antietam

Item LTR-277

Description

3 page original Civil War soldier's letter, written in period ink and war dated.

U.S. Hospital N.Y.
Saturday, Oct 25/62

Dear Captain:

It has been some time since I heard from any of the company. I thought you were all killed or wounded. Sergt. Young of Co. K got a letter today from one of their company and I found out where you was. I saw the advertisement of John Blaker’s death in the paper. I was very sorry indeed when I saw it. That is all I have heard of the company since you sent me my descriptive list. I am still in the hospital at David’s Island. I have been trying to get transferred to a Philadelphia hospital but the Surgeon General says the Secretary of War has forbidden individual transfers. My wound is getting better now. The doctor took out a lot of loose bones and it is getting along first rate. Give my love to all the boys and let me know who all was killed and wounded since I left and if those that was taken prisoners in front of Richmond have been released yet. I heard Col Clark was wounded at Bull Run. Is it so? The doctor says I was very lucky in not losing my foot. He said if the ball had went in an inch lower, it would have had to come off. He says it will not be fit to march on for some time and perhaps never. Give my best respects to Col Clark. I hear today they are going to send all the Pennsylvania soldiers to their own state. I only hope it is so. But I must close in order to get it in time for the mail. Please answer this as soon as you can and if Clinton and Stout are there, tell them to write me. Be sure and tell me who all have been killed and wounded. I wish I was able to come on and see you all. It is so lonesome here.

From Your Obedient Servant,
Samuel P. Yonker
Address

Samuel P. Yonker
U.S. Hospital
David’s Island, N. York
Building No. 1