150 Years Ago (1864 6/5)

Washington, June 5, 1864.

Dearest wife,

Here I am yet. This morning received two letters from you. They come double. Was very sorry to hear that Edmond Goodwin was killed. I am going to the Columbia Hospital and Carver this afternoon. Was in to Mr. Baxter’s room this morning. Told Mrs. Baxter where I was going. Gave me a dollar and told me to buy some Strawberries for some of the boys at the Carver. She gave me their names and Wards. She spends all her time for the soldiers, goes to all the hospitals and finds the wants of the boys, If she does not have a supply, impresses some one into the service and sends them next day. She had a list of the articles that they wanted where she was going today, some Lemon pies, some Rhubarb, some dried apple turn over, some oranges and some lemons. These things she pays for with her own money. She was going to take a large lot of things to the Sanitary Commission. She buys no new bonnets nor new dresses. It all goes for the soldiers. He spends all his time that can be spared in the great cause. Many will be the soldier that will have causes to thank her and him. Mr. Lorin’s son is getting along pretty well. A lady that had met him in the hospitals in his search for his son told him after he had found him, to make her house his home, and he is stopping there now. Mr. Baxter paid his bills and the member from the 1^st District Mr. Woodbridge gave him ten dollars so he is all right. Everyone that came in contact with him loves him. I would wait until after I see Jacob before I write, but I am afraid I will not have time to write today after I come back.

You spoke about the pay. I cannot get it until after I get to the regiment, perhaps, not until the campaign is over. I have written to father. He says that he will look after you. He has a bucket of sugar for you. I am well. My health is good, very good. There have been some very hot days here, but the weather is generally cool. Today is very nice. It is nice for those in hospitals. I have heard nothing from the Brattleboro companies, but once since they went out, then but one had been killed. His name was Charles Cleveland from Hartland. Mrs. Newcomb is expected here next week. Henry said that he would let me know when she came. I report every morning on the opposite side of the street from where his office rooms are. You speak of the war being over before I get a commission. I hope so, but there is a heap of work to do down in Richmond yet, but Grant is a tough one and the boys all have first rate courage. There is none of that whining among them that one hears at home that was always so disagreeable to me, but when peace will come there will be a glad shout through the land, the brave will rejoice as much as the coward, yes and more, but as long as there is work to do, they set their faces to the work. How much I wish to see you and the children, so much that words are inadequate to express it, but every beat of the heart is warm towards that far off Green Mountain Home. I wish that you could be at West Charleston. I think, perhaps, that it will be best to stay there for the present, but $3. per month will be pretty high rent. I can think of it only as that little close place, do write often, and I will endeavor to let you know of every move I make.

Yours in affection,

Charles.