McKims Mansion Hospital

Baltimore Md Jan 10, 1863

           

Dear Father

            I wrote you last at the Campbell Hospital day before yesterday and told you we were to be removed to Baltimore. we left it at noon in omnibuses for the depot and took dinner at the Soldiers Regreat. We took the train about three o'clock. While we were waiting at the depot I went to the Clarendon Hotel and got my housewife, it was all safe. We reached Baltimore after dark and found the ground white with snow. It was cloudy at / Washington but did not snow but very little. From the depot we walked I should think over two miles to this place which is just outside of the city My heel is not very strong yet but the swelling is nearly gone the cord in the calf of my leg is some lame This Hospital is in a healthy location on a rise which gives a good view of the city and bay. The city has a great many fine building in it and a great many steeples, and monuments Washington monument is a splendid affair surmounted by a large statue a splendid chance to view the city is had. Visitors can be seen up near the top / as there is a there is a sort of a landing on the outside nearly at the top. We do not fare so well here as at the place we left for breakfast we had one slice of bread and a dish of coffee and for supper we had coffee and bread but we had a pretty good dinner of soup and meat. At the Hospital that we left we had bread and hash or some times mush with coffee for breakfast For dinner either boiled potatoes cabbage turnips parsnips onions and soup or baked potatoes and roast beef and occasionally a baked rice pudding in addition And supper bread and either butter applesauce or cheese and we had baked beans &c occasionally. But this I expect / is a healthier place it is certainly a little nearer home. There is some talk that we are to be sent on further to Philadelphia within a week but I do not think we will I wished we would be sent or better still sent home I understand that those that went from Washington in the last train went to Philadelphia if I had known that was to be the case I should I think have waited till then. About my box I suppose you sent it on wednesday I wrote to the Post Master of the Hospital to have him forward it to me also to send such letters that might come I spoke to him about before I left I presume that you have sent the receipt ere this. I intend to get my picture taken when I go into the town This is a wet day it commenced to rain just before dinner /

 

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but it was soon over part of the wounded were removed while the battle was going on such as could go with assistance but I must close as the penny post is round my love to all It may be a couple of weeks before I shall join our reg't. I will try and write often you must do the same I should have made this letter longer if I had time. This is the third letter I have written home since I have been here I wrote one to Grand Mother last saturday and one to Gill on sunday I do not think of any thing just at present that you could might if there is any thing you have a grand chance as I am nearer home and there is less / risk and I think you had better send out a few things such as I would need. My love to all write often tell the neighbors to do the same from your affectionate son

                                                                                                                       

William

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