White Hall U.S.G.H.

April 5^th 1865

 

My Dear Father:

                                    I reached this Hospital this A.M. at 8 O'clock. Had to wait over five hours in Elmira owing to the engine getting off the track between Painted Post & Corning. Nobody was injured by the slight accident. The train being out of time had to proceed cautiously and often wait for trains to pass on time, so that instead of getting into Jersey City at 12 M it was after 11 P.M. before we arrived and then the street cars were not running. I chose to get as far from Jersey City that night as I could so I took / the Washington train (through) which does not stop at the small stations, and went to Trenton at 1.30 A.M. Took the 6.30 train this A.M. for Neshaminy the nearest station to this Hospital. Left my baggage at the station and sent one of the boys from the ward who was glad of the opportunity to get out after it. I found the steward as kind as possible, and said to me "I saw Lt. Paine (the Executive Officer) and he said that all was right". Wanted to know if I received a pass that he forwarded to me. You have doubtless received the letter and if you have not you may open it and keep it. As it turned I could have / stayed at home until next week and all would have been satisfactory to the authorities. But I did not have any written permission to stay a day and I was not willing to risk my reputation. If I had stayed a day and the letter from the Steward had come with the assurance that all would be well, I might not have started under a day or two. But there is a satisfaction in knowing that I might have taken more time at home. Do not feel sorry because I started so soon. I ought to have stayed and voted. Mrs. Bushnell was up today. She sent in for me. I gave her the thing I brought for herself Mr. B. & Howard. They / Mr & Mrs B. are very kind to me. I shall go down to the city in a few days. Everything goes on smoothly here. The white patients from Beverly across the river were brought over today over 200 of them. The Beverly Hosp is to be filled with colored patients from the city of Philada. The Dr. & Steward have spoken to me to know whether I will take the charge of the kitchen. I do not know. They seem to be urging the matter pretty strongly say Dr. Paine favors it, and wish me to accept. It is indeed a responsible position. I will have the charge of some 30 men and the superintendence of the affairs of the kitchen in which the food for over 450 patients is prepared and issued for the several wards. I am well, better than when I left home. My love to all I remain Your Affectionate Charles

SOURCES