Decatur, Ala., May 2, 1864

Post Hospital. 

 

My Dear Sister:

                        You see I have moved my quarters again. All the old troops in this Department yesterday started on the march and other troops have come in to take their place. Our Regiment is amongst them. They probably are going to Georgia. I, of course was left behind, not yet being able to march. A post hospital has been formed from the sick of the different Regiments left behind. As yet everything is unorganized. Thank Heaven, I am convalescent. If I wasn't, it would be the strength of my own constitution only that would save me. I thought I had seen men treated like brutes before, but the past two days caps all my experience. About 200 sick were / brought to this place, and dumped down like so many hogs. There was no surgeon to see to them, no one to care for them. Most of them found quarters upon the floor. The greater number were convalescent, but there were a few very sick men who needed close attention. One poor fellow died during the night, no one knows when. He was dead in the morning. For Yesterday a surgeon came, and the men were part of them removed and the rest had cots assigned them. This took all day. For two days some poor fellows lay there without a morsel to eat, or a cup of water to drink. We were Then last night after their long fasting there was given them a moldy cracker and a cup of tea. Our Colonel would not allow such crackers to be issued to the men in camp. But don't waste any sympathy on me. I didn't starve. We have been here but one / day, and I had money and sent out and bought bread. I also had coffee left in my haversack. I ran myself completely out of money at Athens when in Hospital, by buying milk at 20 cents a quart; but Capt. Hurd was kind enough to lend me five dollars, so that I am well provided now. The money I sent home for I did not receive before the Regiment left. I have heard not one word from home since my sickness. I shall probably have no chance now to hear for three or four weeks. it is very hard, but it can't be helped and I must be content.

 

            Not a Doctor has showed his face to give men medicine as yet, although there are two or three things by that name here I believe. For my own part, I want no medicine except good strengthening food, but there are men who do need it, and I dislike to see them suffer. One poor fellow almost dead with erysipelas lies in the / main passage way. He is insensible, and grasps nervously at the air with his hands. Has any attention been paid to him? Has any food or stimulant been administered to him? Not a thing that I have seen. What matters it to those brute Doctors if he dies like that other man? He is nothing but a poor private, and won't be missed amongst Uncle Samuels 600,000.

 

            But perhaps I am too severe. I can't help speaking bitterly though when I witness such barbarity. I know that much is to be allowed. Everything has to be newly organized, and we must expect to suffer some neglect. But allowing all that is necessary, I still must say that there has been displayed great incompetence and carelessness to say the least.

 

            Now don't go to worrying about me. I can take care of myself, and don't need any Doctor. One thing favorable is, I have a delightful airy room up stairs, having a fine porch just in front of it. Besides things will improve. The Hospital Steward, who seems to be a kind man, says that we shall have better fare to-day.

            We had a fearful wind storm here the other night. Our Regimental Hospital tents both flew down, one completely; the other, the one in which I was but partially. Fortunately I did not get wet.

 

            The other morning the rebs. came in and attacked our pickets with musketry and artillery. From my tent I could see the firing, not over three quarters of a mile distant. The rebs. are very saucy here; fire on the pickets almost every day.

 

            Direct your letters to the Regiment as usual at Decatur. I shall have have to wait till I rejoin them before I can receive them. I am getting along finely.

                                                                       

Your aff. Brother                   

 

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Perhaps you may write me a few lines at venture, and direct them Geo. R. Gear Post Hospital Ward B Decatur, Ala. They may possibly reach me, if you write immediately.

                                                                                                                                   

Geo.

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