Patterson Park Hospital 

Baltimore Md Ap' 26 1863

           

Dear Charles

                        I now sit down to pen you a few lines. I wrote Father yesterday. I have received no letter from home for over a week. But have been expecting one as Martha said in her last (which I received a week ago friday) that she would write on Sunday. We are having fine weather just now although it has been quite wet. I suppose you are boarding at Mrs. Smith's now. Do you feel any homesick. We have to drill about four hours a day Yesterday we went over by Fort Marshal. Which is a little ways from here. I presume you are anxious to go to South Malden and be with the rest of the folks But Father no doubt will get you a chance to work before long You must keep in good spirits and keep on the right side of / Mrs Smith and all the rest of the folks. I do not think we will get off from here for a while if we do go at all out west. How is the weather at Manchester? Is there any snow up there now? How is Aunt Statira and her children? I wrote to her and Estella on Monday the 20^th. Did she receive it? Did you get that Baltimore American I sent you? It is rather difficult for us to get passes here now. I have been out once since I have been here. I received a letter from Aunt Harriet on the 9 ninth and answered I also received one from Thos. Gay on the 17^th and a weekly Mirror on the 21^st from him. Is Frank Guilford at home yet? I received a letter from him Mar 4^th which I have not got answered yet. Also one from Martha Miller still unanswered. Do you know whether Jim Cook received my letter? I received his Feb 15 and answered it the same day. I have not been paid since Dec 1^st. I wished they would / send me off somewhere before long. How do you like boarding out. Is there any one at Mrs Smith's beside the two boys and herself? What appears to be the opinion around there in regard to the war? I understand it is the opinion of many in Baltimore that it will be closed by June I hope it will but I hardly think it will end so soon. Is Ed. Ross and the rest of the boys around there yet? I have not received any letter from the reg't since I left it although I wrote to Searg't Emerson when I was at M^cKim's and sent him three Journals. Has Mrs Smith received any letter from Gill since he has been out west? If so I wished you would let me know how she directs her letters. If anyone enquires as to the state of my health, tell them I am in good health and anxious to get away from this place. I hope this Rebellion will be put down before the fourth of July as I would like to spend that day at home / But I want to see it well put down while we are at it and not give away an inch to the Miserable Traitors. Charley I wish you would get your picture taken and send to me in a letter. I do not think of much more to write. Tell Aunt Statira I want to hear from her and the children Now Charley please write me a good long letter when you get this and write me all the news Give my respects to Aunt Statira, Mrs Smith, the boys and all the rest. Trusting you will write soon I close and remain your affect'

Brother William

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