McKims Baltimore Md Mar 23 1863

           

Dear Mother

                        I now sit down to pen you a few lines hoping you they will find you enjoying good health

 

            I am now enjoying pretty good health with the exception of my ancles which will not bear much walking on. We have been having disagreeable weather, but yesterday it cleared off very pleasant and warm and was a real spring day I have received no letter from home since last sunday. I wrote on the same day, and one to Charley on thursday which you doubtless received ere this I have a little news to write you The 9^th Army Corps which my reg't is attached to has arrived in Baltimore by water to the number of 6,000 awaiting transportation to go out west. I have just now learned that 20,000 more ar- / rived to day It is said they are to reinforce General Rosecrans army. I think there is no doubt as to their arrival I heard drum beating this morning. this morning I can learn more when some of the boys who went out on a pass to day get back. I think I shall go into town to morrow. Burnside whole corps I understand are to go out west. Gen' Burnside was in town last friday, at the great union meeting, at the Maryland Institute. I sent you a Baltimore American on saturday containing an account of it, and I will try to send you one to day I see by to day's paper that Gen' Sumner is dead. I expect there will be news of new movements in our Army soon The new conscriptions bill suits the soldiers here with the exception of one thing, and that is, the allowing the rich to escape by the payment of $300. How is Aunt Statira now and Evie. Active operations / have commenced between the Union and Rebel boys here in Baltimore. They have regular battles here now most every day with stones Yesterday (sunday) they were at it hot and heavy all the afternoon, their field of operations being right here near the hospital we have a good chance to witness the battles They are mostly small shavers some not long out of their diapers they have slings with which they send the stones with such force, that I can hear some of them whistle, something like a bullet. They will hallow and swear at each other and one side call the other rebels. First one side will charge and drive the other a ways and then that side will make a stand and then drive the other back it seems a wonder that some of them do not get hurt severely, but the fun of it is to see them skedaddle when a policeman makes a charge on them. They used to be fighting last summer it is said / to the number of 200. The boys are having a battle now while I am writing. There has been a reduction in the pay of the nurses here they have been receiving from 7 to 8 doll's extra which is now taken away and they only get the same as a private $13. I have not much more news to write. You must write soon and let me know all the news. Send my love to Father and tell him to write. My love to all from your affect Son

                                                                                               

Wm. W. Fish

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