Campbell Hospital (1862

Washington D.C. Dec 30

 

Dear Sister Martha

            I received Father's kind and ever welcome letter dated the 25^th on sunday and one from Grandmother of the same date I wrote a letter to Father last saturday. I am getting along pretty well. My foot is about the same. I obtained a pass yesterday went to the city I visited the Patent Office. there are some patients there yet. I also went into the Capitol It is a splendid affair Congress was not in session at the time. I also went to the Clarendon Hotel to visit Lieut Clark and get / my housewife which was in his trunk but I was too late as he had gone home you probably have seen him ere this. I tell you Washington has some fine public buildings although I was not able to look around much on account of my foot I bought me a few things I bought a hat haversack (a good nice one) for 1.25 apples are selling for .25 cts a pk I got a ½ pk good baldwins You wrote that you sent shirts drawers and socks to John I knew that you had sent some as Martha wrote Gill that you had. You wished me to write what I would like sent out and if I had got my rubber blanket yet. I am glad that you are making some shirts as I / shall need some when I get out of this. When we came here our knapsacks haversack &c were taken and stored till we leave the Hospital. We were washed and had clean drawers (cotton flannell) and a cotton shirt given us these we change once a week as also our sheets pillowcases and stockings I kept one flannel shirt but on examining it I found some lice on it and threw it away as it is difficult to get them out of the clothes when once they get in this clothing we wear now will do well in the hospital but would be poor things in the field My rubber blanket I left on the battlefield as we rushed foreward double quick I threw my roll away which had a pair of socks in it / and at night I picked up a blanket so you may if you please send out a good rubber blanket shirts two or three handkerchiefs one for the neck and I would like a pair of boots as these pegged shoes are poor things in the winter I have a pair of them. my boots I left at camp as they were nearly worn out and I could only get one on and the other was cut by a ball right over the ancle (a narrow escape for my ancle that) and I would like if it is not too much trouble for you to make me a small housewife that I could roll up and put in my pocket and put in a little thread and needles and pair of scissors. there may and send a couple pair of socks I do not think if much more just now to send of clothing I would like to have a fine comb sent in a letter. I suppose it is necessary for you to send me the receipt in a letter when you send the box so there will be no trouble in getting it

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