57th Pennsylvania Infantry - Nurse Letter - NEW
Item MED-10805Description
Original Civil War soldier's letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.
Camp Mercer
Washington, DC
57th Pennsylvania Volunteers
January 19, 1862
Dear Wife,
I thought I would write you a few lines this sabbath morning to let you know that I am still well and in good spirits and hope that you enjoy the same blessing. I am in the hospital as a nurse taking care of the sick and it is pretty hard work but still I am not out in the wet and cold but I have to be on duty twelve hours at a time from twelve o’clock in the day till twelve at night and I have not slept more than five or six hours in one day for the last two weeks. But I have first rate health and my mind is calm to say the truth.
I am contended in my situation and I think that I will stay here as long as I can but I do not know how long that may be. I am getting twenty dollars per month for my service here and that is better than thirteen and I think that I am doing more good than if I was carry my gun for there is several sick and without good nursing they will die and it is hard to get anyone that is fit to nurse the sick.
I have not seen Walker yet but Lieutenant Eberman was over the other day and he says that the boys are all well. Walker sent me fifteen dollars which came very good as we have not got our pay yet. But we think that by the middle of this week it will come. But we have been hard getting along so far but hope that it will be better for the time to come.
We got our mess sent last week so that we have plenty of clothes. At present its raining this morning. We have no snow this winter so far, it has been pleasant for the most of the time.
Write often as you can and let me know all the particulars; how you are getting along and all the children are getting along. And tell them that I have not forgotten them yet but would like very much to see them all, but that they must be good and God will bless them. Kiss Ella, Willie and Joe for me and send one to me from yourself.
No more at present.
From your loving husband.
S. B. Beatty