Washington, May 26, 1864.
Dearest Abiah,
I wrote to you a few lines last night, just to let you know of my whereabouts. Well, I am well today. Have eaten my allowance of grub. There are at this commission some thirty of forty awaiting examination. One reason why I wanted to go to the front was, there have been so many passed by the board I thought I should die with old age before I got a commission. I was just going to the front and fight my way up or – – – but I have concluded to stay here contented until my turn comes for an examination. This is all I have to say for myself. If Grant has to fall back, I shall go to the Regiment. As long as he is pushing on I feel very well. I suppose you know more about those that have been killed and wounded than I do, so I shall say nothing about it. I believe such fighting has never been known in the history of the world, it was almost certain death or wounds in that wilderness, full of concealed rifle pits, but Lee has had to leave that cover. Every man that fought there is a hero. Vermont boys have covered themselves with Glory, but at an awful price. Capt. Buck ought to have lived. His wounds were not so bad. There must have been some incompetency somewhere among the surgeons. Doct. Bowker saw him before he died. Bowker went down to Fredericksburg. He said that James Wilson is hurt badly. He had to be brought up here as all the wounded were brought off. The guerillas were so troublesome. I have not seen James yet.
It has rained here almost all day. I have not been out much. I must tell you how I found Dr. Bowker. Yesterday morning I was going down Pennsylvania Avenue where some one called out “How do you do Charley?” It was the doctor. He had just got back at that time. He thought of going back, but I think he got that position he wanted so much, Contract Surgeon, and was assigned to hospital here. The last time I saw him I was on the way to get my papers to go to the front, so probably he will write home that I have gone, unless he saw Mr. Baxter in the evening. I spent sometime yesterday at Mr. Baxter’s Boarding House. She is one of the best of women. She visits the hospitals every day. It is no visit of ceremony. Her whole sould is in it, hears their complaints and relieves their wants. I have not seen Jacob yet. Mrs. Baxter was going there yesterday, but I forgot to tell her. She does not go to that hospital as much as the others. Doctor Bowker does not laugh about the Sanitary Commission. He says that it is one of the greatest things in the world, everything that was wanted, right there at hand. It would be impossible to get along without it. It must have saved the lives of thousands. I saw Doctor Newell yesterday. He had just left the boat, and was going to find a place to wash and eat. There was a young man with him, by the name of Brown. They looked pretty well used up. There must be more fighting soom, probably there are two good generals opposed to one another, and both feel that the whole depends upon the result. It does, so far as the rebels are concerned, but with us the contest must never be given up a defeat will only prolong. The people at home do not realize the Patriotism of the Soldiers, but I am short of room and must close.
Yours in affection,
Charles.
