July 26^th                     

           

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 rec^d 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 8^th 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 M^r 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 1^st. 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 M^cClellan 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 M^cC— 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

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