6/9/1863

 

Stevens Plains (Westbrook) Me.

June 9^th 1863

 

My Dear Captain,

                                    By virtue of Special Orders, yet to be numbered, from the Department of Physic Pills and Plasters, I have recovered in a slight measure from the severe indisposition which outflanked me a couple weeks ago, causing me to execute a sudden "change of base" horizontal upon my bed, and there entrench myself between two sheets, my right wing resting upon several pillows—while my left pressed the center of the footboard, and I seize the first opportunity to answer your very kind letter received in due season, bearing date of May 20. I scarce can tell where this may reach you, whether you are still wearing the laurels of a wounded officer amid the exciting scenes of the "quiet village" of Philadelphia, or whether you have gone forth, as my old Chaplain always says in his prayers, upon "the tented field", to fight in defense of our time honored "bunting" and stir Hooker up from his lethargy, (Parenthesis, Do people ever ask "Why don't the Army move?" Certain am I that the immortal Five must have another Gin Cock Tail). /

 

                        But I do congratulate you, my dear Captain, upon the prospect of your ultimate speedy recovery. I have often thought of you—your kind attentions to me—and felt anxious to learn of your condition. And I hope that ere now you may have entirely recovered—though take my advice and don't be in too great hurry to return. I have seen too many men return to active service too soon, and almost invariably they entailed more or less suffering upon themselves, rendering their discharge an absolute necessity.

 

                        A week ago my wife acquainted you with the fact of my inability to answer your letter as I had desired. For two weeks I have suffered a great deal. My head has been but little trouble, but rheumatism and neuralgia in my body and lower extremities have given me "fits". But they have left me, and I am now in quite a weak, sort of a semi-exhausted condition. Am unable to leave the house, and my thirty days are almost up. Can't help it, so have applied for an extension. The surgeon here has the impression that I cannot get well under sixty days yet, that is—be able for field service. Beautiful prospect—to remain here in down east Maine—the most lonesome part of Jehovah created footstool—'tis almost like "jumping from the frying pan into the fire". /

 

                        You gave me a very interesting account of your journey home. Methinks I can almost see the "Salem County" Lieutenant eagerly watching each expression flitting oer the countenance of his fair travelling companion. My trip home was not fraught with much interest, though my "turban" attracted its due amount of attention and Yankee curiosity. My chief "travelling companion" was a fair—though not extremely beautiful whiskey flask well filled with brandy. I was specially desirous of stopping in Philadel. but under the circumstances, I did not deem it advisable, though I came home faster than our gentlemanly Washington surgeon probably anticipated I should. However as I pass through P. wrapt in the "sublimity of my individual dignity", I drank to the health of my highly esteemed friends and room mates, Captains Goodman & Warner—imagined them enjoying the felicity of domestic bliss, especially Captain Warner with his wife and his "six innocent children". You remember that this was his plea to the surgeon. I left Washington on Tues. Eve. May 12, arrived in Boston Mass. on Wed. Eve. at 5 o'cl'k. Tarried in B. over night until Thurs. P.M. and arrived home at 8 P.M. same eve. Tolerable quick trip for a man with a cracked skull. But excitement gave me strength. / Well upon my arrival home, as you say I was quite astonished to find myself a "lion" of some magnitude. I was met at the depot by a crowd of friends—a company of young soldiers were drawn up in front of my house—bad serenade in fine, to use language of the "poet"—"it was a hell of a time" especially for me, as I was pretty well exhausted. However, I met my honors with becoming dignity, and was glad when my young wife lay her hand upon my shoulder and admonished me that it was bed time. As you are a married man, of course there is no impropriety in thus attending to a subject both delicate and cherished to a "sojers bosum".

 

                        Yet, my dear Captain, I have experienced what you have not, accompanied with all the pleasures of a "new arrival" the "disagreeableness" of foolish people uttering the most damnable treasonable sentiments to which I ever listened. All honor to the South in comparison with these Northern fanatics. "Downfall of Freedom thro. treachery of government"—"denial of rights of free speech"—"imbecile war"—"resistance to the draft"—"curse the whole country"—are every day expressions. I only wish I was in my usual strength & vigor, I verily believe I should hurt somebody forthwith. / Copperheadism—I am sorry to say is a predominate ism in this immediate region. Were it ever my fortune to be assigned to detached duty, nothing would give me more unbounded pleasure, than to administer a little wholesome advice to these traitors of our country thro. the instrumentality of a heavy cavalry sabre, a minie bullet, and a battery of "loud spoken lions of war". I may be, in my turn, fanatical—yet nevertheless I hate a traitor or a conditional supporter of the Constitution and Union.

 

                        Well, indeed, may you be proud of your native city, Philadelphia. Not by words, but rather by deeds has she spoken her loyalty and devotion to our cause. Thousands have reason to bless Philadelphia and her noble patriotic citizens. Would to Heaven I could say as much for my native place. Yet there is a spirit of loyalty rapidly developing itself—and it is with proud satisfaction that I witness its increasing tendency.

 

                        You must excuse, my dear Capt. the general appearance of this letter, but I could not longer delay the pleasure it of- / fers me to pen these lines. I hope to hear from you again e're long. Remember me to Cap. Warner & Mr Marsh. May success & prosperity ever attend you.

                                   

Ever Your Friend

Geo. U. Bicknell

 

Cap. Goodman

Phil. Penn.

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