Avenue House,                      

Washington City D.C.

June 30, 1865.

 

My very dear Wife:

            I arrived here to-day at 11½ A.M. not quite so soon as I expected. The B & O R.R. might improve things by making connections at Parkersburg, Grafton and Washington Junction.

 

            I could not eat any breakfast this morning—having sick stomach and a touch of diarrhea—but I feel quite well now. I was able for my "dinner"—which came at 3½ P.M. I am a little weak and worn down, by loss of sleep, travel and excessively hot weather (only 96 deg. in the shade) but I have no doubt I shall be "all right in the morning".

 

            I presume you have the letter by this time which I mailed you on the cars at Cumberland. I am / quite anxious to hear from home. I was so busy at the time I started that I did not give as much attention to Frank's sickness as I should have done. Since I left I have had much anxious thought about it. Please telegraph me if he is dangerous, and I will come home at once. Write me often anyhow.

 

            Mr. Sherwood says, now that I am here, my accounts shall be settled at once. I hope so.

 

            I have been so busy to-day, since I got "fit for duty",—for I was really sick till after I took a little sleep—that I have not had time to call on Cynthia Hildebrand, or Mr. Marks yet. I will deliver Belle's note in the morning, and call on the folks in the evening if possible.

 

            It is raining hard here now; and the air feels very pleasant.

 

            I still think I shall be home early next week—but may not till Saturday. /

 

            Ask George to telegraph me, here, if anything very important requires my advice. I think, however, that will not be necessary.

 

            Washington city looks quite gay. The war has not hurt it any I judge, perhaps has improved it

 

            I don't wish you to suppose I am sick. I am not, or I should tell you so. If I were where I could not write you again for a long time, I might not say anything about it if I were sick. But as I can write you every day, or telegraph any hour to relieve your fears if you have any, I tell you just how I am and have been. I feel quite well now, as the waiters will discover in a few minutes when I go to supper.

 

            You may send the Atlantic to Elm Springs, if you wish, with page 108 marked, or keep it as you choose.

 

            Tell Emma to be sure and win the "Prisoner's Hope" by the time I come. 

 

It is just dark, and the gas is not yet lighted in the Reading Room so I close.

                                               

As ever, dearest,

Yours with much love,

A.W. M^cCormick

SOURCES