13th Vermont Infantry - Campbell Hospital, Washington, DC

Item LTR-9709

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Campbell Hospital, Ward 10
Washington, DC
May the 20th [1863]

Dear Friends at home,

I have just received a letter from Susan. And so glad to hear that you are all well. My health is quite good. For me, I have worked pretty hard since I came into this ward. But we have four more nurses. This morning I have not much to do now, only to do the dishes. Lieutenant Palmer was here to see Billings and myself yesterday. He thought we had better stay where we are a spell yet for we are in a good place. Sunday, Sam Austin from Warren was here to see us and about two weeks ago our Captain and Orderly was here so you see when any of the boys come to Washington they come to see us. Sam Austin, George Boyce, Sergeant Silsby and Frank Griffith together with three other fellows of our regiment were taken prisoner by the rebs last week. They were paroled and have gone to the parole camp in Maryland. Orlando Billings had a letter from Aretus Thayer yesterday. He said the Colonel said we would be at home soon. But we shall not know when we are coming until we start. I think though we shall be at home before July. I have not heard from Nell or Chloe but a little while after I came here. I do not know why they do not write to me. I had a letter from Louisa the other day. She did not write any news. I ask why did you not send them recruiting orders when I wrote for. I suppose you have all the spring work done long before this. I do not suppose I shall know Little Jennie when I get home. She will be so big and pretty. Tell Mother I am getting as fat as I was when I had my picture taken. When you write to Nell tell her to write to me and tell me how to direct and I will write to her. How does that wagon get along? You can get it out and have it to ride in as well as to have it staying still. Is John Poland any sorry about the Draft? I have not heard from Getty and Thomas for a long while. I do not know what I have done. I guess that is what is the matter. How is Celia and the rest of Uncle Ruff’s folks? Has Miss Ed began to build her new house yet? How is my little Zaffi Whitcomb? Well I guess I will finish this sheet for I have no more time just like the other time as well was a pretty short letter. You know I like long letters pretty well. How is Elisha’s folks? How do they prosper? How did the corn do this summer. I hope they are doing first rate. I suppose that the mare has got a little calf before this. I hope it is a black one. How many pigs are you going to keep this summer? Charley Billings, they do not think he will live. He has the typhoid fever. It is pretty sickly in camp now. I shall not go back until I go for good. Well, I will close my letter by asking you to write soon.

I remain as ever your son,

Dan Grandy
Campbell Hospital
Washington, DC
Ward 10