July 26th
Dear Father
I received your letter this morning I cannot imagine what is the cause of my letters not arriving at their destination. Yesterday Riley recd a note from Elsie making inquiries about me I wrote to her last night but did not send it away yet. I enclose this. I am sorry that Mr Critchton & Dr Wallace did not find me. If I had known that they wanted to see me I could have found them easily
I saw Dr W— a number of times, but did not like to speak to him as I never was acquainted with him. I guess he did not know me, for he came into the National Hotel when I was at the desk looking over the register. He came up alongside of me and went to looking over it when I got through I would liked to been acquainted with him for I wanted some one who was known there to go with me to the Pay Master to satisfy him who I was so that I could get my pay. I wanted some money and but he would not pay me unless I could bring some one that would testify who I was.
I did not get away from W— until the 8th there was no boat leaving for James River before then. When I left Douglass Hospital I went / to the Clay Hotel where I stayed while in W—
I registered my name without rank or residence & I suppose that the Dr overlooked my name for I saw him looking over the register on Sunday I think that if it was to do over again I would go home. If I was at harrisburg I might possibly get a commission as Capt in some of the new reg'ts. I think I could take charge of a company pretty well. I would much rather be in a new Co than in one where I knew all the men, can keep better discipline. I have been thinking that if I could get Mr Bradford's or Genl Irvins influence I might get it yet. I am getting along finely with the co. have no trouble whatever. I had considerable work at first making out reports & gathering accounts Have got all square up to July 1st. Have had to get almost a complete outfit of clothing &c for the men. They lost all except what they had on their backs.
I lost my dress suit and all my personal accounts & papers. Among others, there was a note on Capt C— for $25, also John Sheets due bill for $18. Lost my commission. Have not got it renewed yet.
I had to get a new suit in Washington. Had on a privates dress at the time of the Battles. All is quiet here now. Were reviewed by Gen'l McClellan yesterday He complimented us on the way we had behaved in the late battles & on our good appearance.
Our men think there is none like McC— I believe it would raise a mutiny if he was superseded.
Col Jackson has been confirmed a Brig. Genl & is now in command of the brigade. Lt. Col. Anderson has command of the Regt.
Write again soon
Your affectionate Son
JSWinans
[upside down]
July 26/62