8th Connecticut Infantry - Wounded at Antietam - NEW

Item LTR-11993

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


U.S. General Hospital
New Haven
 
May 22, 1862
 
My Dear Parents,
 
I received your letter in due time, and I will now try to write you a few lines in return. I am sorry to hear that Grandpa is so poorly. I will try to come home as soon as we get paid, which will not be until the 1st of June. I think as near as I can find out, I would try to come up before, but I have not any money now.
 
I am taking lessons in bookkeeping now with some 10 or 12 others. We have a teacher every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. The teacher and so forth are furnished us by Mrs. Hotchkiss, the lady where Carl boards. She is a very nice lady.
 
I went over there last Sunday night to see Carl, and went from there to church, and heard a first-rate sermon delivered by Mr. Nettle, First Methodist minister. 
 
Oh dear, how hot it is today.
 
As to my discharge, I shall not get it here if I stay here till my time is out, for there has been an order issued from the medical department forbidding the surgeons in charge of hospitals to discharge any more soldiers. They have tried to get more, but I have not made it out yet, and this provost duty to stay the rest of my time in New Haven, but I do not see it. I shall go to the regiment the first opportunity that offers after we are paid off.
 
I must close as the drum is hasting for inspection. Give my respects to all and write soon.
 
As ever, your affectionate son, 
 
Charles D. Garlick