U. S. Arsenal.

Hospt   Washington. D.C.

January 25^th  1865   

 

Dear Father Mother Sisters & Brothers I now take pen in hand to write a few lines to you to inform you of my health it is about the same as when i was last with you and as you have not writen to me but twise since i came from furlough or rather i have not received but two letters so i am unable to gess what your health is at home and i am nearly tired of / writing and getting no answer but i thought you might not get my letters and this is the reason why i write but if i have not guessed the reason i should like to know what is the reason of your not writing. The weather here is pretty cold there is a skim of ice on the ground but the river is not frozen so as to stop the boats from running the nuse from the armie is glorious General Sherman is on the march from Savannah to Charleston. Comadore Porter has with a command of the armie under General Terry taken Fort Fisher and several other small works also / several steamers and about (2,000) two thousand prisoners upwards of (70) seventy cannon and is now in a fair way to take Wilmington. There is but little nuse from the armie of the Potomac. there is pretty strong talk of peace in the Reble Congress and public opinion is here that the Rebelion is near its death strugle. We had a very large fire here yesterday the Smith Sonean Building was about 3 Oclock P.M. discovered to be on fire and in a short time there wer a large croud gathered to sea and help put it out there was a Reg of Infantry and a squadron of Cavelry to keepe the people from the / building for many came just for plunder this building was a museum gathered from all parts of the world the building was nearly distroyed it is supposed to be the work of an incendary i understand there was one lady died from the effect of seaing the fire and one policeman was killed by being struck by a brick from the building the loss i have not learned but it is very heavy as it is now late i will now close with my love and best respects to one and all

 

I remain as ever your loveing Sone & Brother

W^m A Clark

 

N.B. The Doctors Wifes Brother was in command of Fort Fisher he was a Reble Colonel or General i do not know whitch the Doctor told me he was woundid 3 times and is a prisoner and is to be sent to Baltimore or Washington. my health is very good 7 P.M.

better than it has been    WAClark

 

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There is 4 in Hospt we have got through cleaning house for this season There will be a reseption to the White house the second of Febuary come one come all

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