57th Massachusetts Infantry

Item LTR-8582

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 2 pages, written in period ink.


Camp on the Border of Georgetown
April 30th 1865

Surgeon A. Van Derveer

Sir,

In answer to your letter bearing date April 24th 1865, I am sorry to say that I have not seen him since he left your hospital. I got a pass the next day after I saw you and went to City Point. He had been sent from there to the General Hospital, Washington, DC. I have received two letters from him. I wrote to him one week ago, didn’t get any answer. I think he has been transferred to some other Hospital. He was getting along very well. He has had 5 pieces of more bones taken out. In regard to the ball and pieces of bones that you have got, I think the best to send them to Betsy Bemis, Huntington, Massachusetts, his mother. Then he will surely get them.

There isn’t any passes given now in this Brigade for the reason I know not. It is the talk here so we’re going home. If you send those pieces, drop me a line and oblige.

Yours truly,

A. B. Bemis
Company K
57th Massachusetts Volunteers
Washington, DC