McKim's Baltimore Md Mar 8, 1863

           

Dear Sister

                        I now sit down to pen you a few lines. I wrote you on thursday which I suppose you have received. My health is pretty good. We have pretty changeable weather here lately. Yesterday and to day has been quite wet. I went up to be examined to day. I told the surgeon how they my ancles were that they swelled up by walking on them He looked at them he had but few words but told me to let him see them when they swell up. I did not much expect to get my name down at the first examination. Sometimes one will go up two or three times before they will get their name down. Well I can wait If I can not get my discharge here I think I can at the Convalescent Camp. Some of those that were sent from here obtained their discharges at the latter place. One case in particular, a fellow that / sent from here to Camp Convalescent was back here in about four weeks with his discharge and there did not appear to be any thing the trouble with him. There are a great many that play off, but I never intend doing that. I would like to be with the reg't if I knew I could stand it well The hospitals here in Baltimore are quite thin now, but there is a squad of 200 expected here at this hospital from Washington I believe. The nurses have had orders to have the beds in readiness. I received those papers yesterday. I intend sending a few to the regiment, after I read them. I wished you would please to send me some weekly story paper once in a while. I see by the Journal that the Piscataquog Hotel at Manchester has been burnt. I see also that the Copperheads are getting very bold in Connecticut and NH. I would like to see such men drafted and put into the field I have not a great deal of news to write. Dont show my letters to anyone. Write soon. Send my love to Father Write my love to all from       William

SOURCES