6/19/63

Kirkwoods Hotel                   

Washington D.C.       

 

My dear Dot.

                        Although I have not much as yet to report to you, I must let you know what I have been doing since I left Phila. I reached here Thursday morning safely after the tedious 6 hours ride in the cars, took breakfast and immediately thereafter reported to the Provost Marshall. I first inquired after the Regiment, and was informed that they knew nothing of its whereabouts nor did they in fact know anything about any part of Hooker's Army. While I was making these inquiries, an orderly came from Gen. Pleasanton's Head quarters and informed me that the 6^th and 12^th Corps left Fairfax Station that morning (yesterday) and where / they had gone to no one knew. Finding I could get no satisfactory information here, I asked for and received a pass, enabling me to go about the city until the 25^th without molestation from the Provost guards. I then went to Major True's office (our Paymaster) and found he had gone to Maine, and will not be back for a week or ten days. I then went back to the Hotel pretty well tuckered out, it was a terribly hot day and my leg felt sore from the jolting of the car the previous night. I took a short nap intending to call on Col. Ramsay after dinner, but a thunder storm prevented me from doing this and I made myself as comfortable as possible during the afternoon and evening / I went to bed early, having enjoyed the company of Mr. Sterling Bell (formerly member of our old company now Paymaster's Clerk here) who called, as soon as he found I was here. You see I do not lack friends anywhere. I slept soundly until 8 o'clock this morning, arose, and after breakfast proceeded at once the Arsenal. I first saw the Officers of the Company who were here when I first was detailed. They were very glad to see me, and were determined I should spend the day with them. But I declined and went on to the Col's office. He was in and was delighted to see me. I found him the same kind considerate gentleman he had always been to me. I was of course obliged to give him an / exact account of all my expenses since I had left his command and he appeared much interested. I told him what had brought me here and he at once offered to do anything to further my wishes, and gave me a note to Adjutant Gen. Thomas. He kept me 3 or 4 hours talking and when I left made me promise to spend a day with him before leaving Washington. He does not much fancy the officer who took my place, and remarked he often wished me back, but was glad I was pleased with the service, and had not disgraced my shoulder straps. From the Arsenal I went to the Office of the Adjutant General. He was not in but I saw Col. Townsend, next in rank. He received me kindly / but stated that the Invalid Corps supplied them with more than enough extra hands, and advised me to report to Gen. Heintzelman. I went there, informed the General of my wishes, was treated with every respect; he assured me that he could find plenty for me to do for a short time, and if I could get an extension from Dr. Clymer Medical Director I could at once report to him for special duty. I hunted Dr. Allen (in Clymer's Office) who attended us here before but will not be able to see him before tomorrow morning. So I know not yet what will become of me, but suppose I will be put on some hospital staff, or provost business. 

 

There is not much excitement here. Last evening, a report was freely circulated and believed that Gen. M^cClellan was to take command today. It caused much sensation. But it appears to have been false. There are 10 Officers here who are vainly endeavoring to get to their respective Regiments. Their leaves of absence have been in most instances up 5 or 6 days, and they are in a sad way. Being all safe myself I can laugh at them. The Regiment is now I understand at Nolan's Ferry some 45 miles from here. It is reached via Frederick City, but the Rail Road Co. will not sell tickets (or rather guarantee passage) and so, one cannot go that way. Some of the / Officers intend going on a canal boat tomorrow morning as far as they can, and then endeavor to march to their Regiments. Tonight I intend to visit some of the A.L. Lodges here. It may be of some service to me.

 

                        Give my love to all at home. Remember me to Richard who was so kind as to save me so nasty a walk. Kiss little ones over & over for me and believe me to remain as ever yours devotedly

 

June 19/63                                          

Andy—

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