7th Michigan Cavalry & 1st Michigan Infantry - Wounded at Gaines Mill

Item LTR-5166

Description

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

Columbian Hospital, Washington

October 6th 1863

Dear Mother,

I received your welcome letter yesterday and was sorry to hear that your health was so poor. I also received a letter dated September 6th which you see has been a month on the road if it had got here as soon as it ought I should have shown it to Mr. Edward Seagan . But he went away about three weeks ago. I saw him a good many times. But did not get acquainted with him for I did not think of his being Mr. Seagan.

Brother Sprague Downing was here yesterday and I had a good visit with him. Tommy is at home and is very sick and not expected to live. David is also at home, but he is well. My health is not any better. Yet that diarrhea runs me almost to death. Some of the time I was examined by the medical director the other day. And he said it was doubtful if I ever get well again. But he said I was in no immediate danger. I will send you a sprig of cedar of Lebanon from Mount Vernon and a Brake Leaf from the Dismal Swamp that a paroled prisoner game me. He got the Brake Leaves while a prisoner in North Carolina and the cedar I got at Mount Vernon myself. The tree they came off stood close to the tomb of Washington. I have had one letter from Lib since I came in the hospital. But I have had none from Mary. I have written to both three or four times. But if they don’t choose to write to me, they can let it alone. I shall not trouble them anymore. Tell Duck I am much obliged for those verses she sent me. Tell her to be a good girl till brother gets home now. Don’t get to looking for me again for I can’t come this fall now. Please write good long letters this time if you are able.

Well goodbye for I shall have to stop writing.

From your affectionate Son,

William McMurphy