Phila Aug 29^th 1863

 

Friend Fred,

                        Did you think you was forgotten by your brother Crip? The other day I thought how you used to direct your wife's letters, so I think I'll write you a few lines to let you know that I am alive, and also find out how you are makeing out.

 

            Fred have you an artifical leg yet, or do you have to pole yourself through this world yet? I have had my leg about three months and can walk first rate. I never even use a cane about the house or office, when I go out I carry a very small one and I walk bully. / I am geting along pretty well. I have a very nice situation, very easy, nothing hardly to do, Telegraph Operator in the City Telegraph, I think it will last as long as I want it.

 

            I paid a visit to one of our City Hospitals a few days ago, to see some of our boys among whom is "Demarbia" he was very slightly wounded in the leg. he is well though now, he is the same fellow as he was at Smoketown. Talk about the City Hospitals, I would not give Smoketown for them all. I think, Fred, we where greatly favoured when we went to that Hospital. I always think with pleasure of the time we spent there notwithstanding the leg being off. How about that? 

 

I should like to hear from Charlie, although we used to fight about the girls. I should like to hear from all the boys, especialy the one that never saw a "big ship" I would like to show him around Phil^a. I saw Mr Sloan a long time ago, and he invited me to his house to tea. I went. You would be surprised to see the stile he lives in, grand I tell you. I took tea with M^rs Lee once, and was introduced to that daughter she used to speak of. I went to see Miss Davis but could not find where she lived. I shall find out though. I intend to see M^rs Husband too soon. I wish you was here to go with me. I think it would pay you to come, and get one of the Palmer Legs the government furnishes them. I dont know weather you can get one where you are or not. when you / write tell me weather you have one of the government legs or not. if not I would advise you to get one of Palmers they are acknolaged to be the best.

 

Now I think I will close

 

Give my respects to your wife and write soon to your

                                                           

Brother Crip.

W^m Prior

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