McKims Hospital 1863

Baltimore Md Feb 4

           

Dear Father

                        I wrote Martha on monday stating that I thought I had the erysipelas in my legs. They are now worse my right ancle and leg are swelled badly my left leg is not quite so bad my left is the one that was wounded they are so that I can not get around but little. The doctor has given me a bottle of some kind of liquid to bathe it with I keep cloths on wet with with this. Yesterday I had flaxseed poultices on but did not / little if any good so he gave me this stuff and also some drops to take inwardly I intended to have asked him what it was that ailed my legs He told the nurse he did not think it was the erysipelas I will ask him to night if I have a chance. Mrs Pineo has just been in she says she will call again saturday and bring me something to eat It has been quite cold to day and last night. There are quite a number that have received there discharges from this Hospital. Mrs Pineo told me there was one discharged from this Hospital named Wm Fish belonging to the 12^th NH / I did not know there was any one here of the same name as mine. There was one Jacob Fish discharged out of this room he is from NJ his wife came on and got him discharged and went home with him. There was also another Fish Reuben in this Hospital. How is Col Baker is he getting pretty smart. Do you have plenty to do in the shop now. I do not think of much news to write this time Oysters are quite reasonable here a couple of 20 cts a qt but I must close write me often I will keep you informed of the condition of my legs What did you apply to / your ancles when you had the erysipelas my love to all                William

Thursday Morning Feb 5

 

            As I did not get this letter ready in season to leave the P.O. I now add a few lines I asked the doctor last night if he thought this was the erysipelas. He said it was something of that description. I think 'tis a little better this morning but I will close I will write soon

                                                                                                                       

William

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