22nd New Jersey Infantry

Item LTR-6366

Description

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


Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, DC
May 14, 1863

Dear Son,
I received your letter of May 12th yesterday afternoon and was much pleased to find that you had received and are still receiving our letters and especially the letters of the 29th and 30th of April with the money enclosed. Use it to the best advantage. Enclosed in this one, you will find a few stamps. I have not sent you many this time for I see by your letter that there is a report there of sending the men away, some that is there that are fit to their regiments and the others to Washington. And in that case it would not be safe perhaps to send too much by letters just at present.

You asked my advice in relation to speaking to the doctor about being transferred to Washington. I would not speak to him until you see what they are going to do about this report. One thing you want to be careful for and that is to play of weak especially about the legs and back and be careful to play your joints well from what you stated in your letter the other day in relation to throwing away your cane. On the reception of our letters, I take it that you are still using one in walking about. Keep using it and when it comes to an examination tell the doctor that you are not fit to march. Making it appear at the same time that you should get sent to Washington. Apply to be sent to Armory Square Hospital which would bring you the nearest to me and especially now for you will recollect that I stated in one of my letters to you the other day that we had orders to take board at some private house and which we did yesterday afternoon. We are now boarding at Washington 377 Nineteenth Street and from what I have found it a very good place. We have to pay $6.00 per week. We had to pay 5 ½ at the hospital. I, Lieutenant Titus and Lieutenant Brooks of the 27th Connecticut have one room together. We have to report every other day at the hospital. Direct your letters as usual. We will get them there every day. Inform me in your next what is done or going to be done about your business. No more at present. I am about the same, wanting rest.

Yours as ever,
John C. Westervelt

Writing in a hurry.