Hospital 17^th Regt. Me Inft

                                                                                    February 23^d 1864

 

Dear Parents

                        It has been more than 18 months since I first left the home of my childhood which had always afforded me comfort and hapiness, to serve my country and protect its Flag

 

            Yes, my term of service has a little more than half passed away, with it, many brave soldiers have gone to their long homes where no bugle of war will disturb their quiet rest.

 

            God in his mercies has kept from harm your sons, while many have fallen around us. How long we shall be thus spared we do not know, but my/ earnest desire is may we be always prepared to answer the dread summons.

 

            I have seen all the sickness and deaths that I ever wish to witness while in the army.

 

            Many may think that I have a pleasant situation in the army. it is true I do not have to work hard, yet the scenes that I witness on the battlefield and in the hospital are enough to cause sadness to hearts less sensitive than mine. still there is a satisfaction which pays for all labor, it is in knowing that you have done all that can be done to alleviate the suffering of your fellow soldiers. then to receive the heartfeld “God bless you, from him who is just stepping into Eternity, for the little kindness which/ you have shown to him in his last sickness, when no fond mother or devoted sister could be permitted to sooth his last pains.

 

            I would serve in no other capacity if possible while in the army. No. for I love to be placed where I can be a friend to all who are suffering from sickness or wounds, yes, to act a brother part is my highest aim. I hope you may never hear from me that in a single instance I have been unkind to the suffering. There would be no greater sin in my opinion that I could commit.

 

            God has not only been kind in protecting us while exposed to the many dangers, but he has favored us in sparing to us our parents in their declining years. I hope you may be/ continue to enjoy the same great blessing that we may all meet again around the old family Alter. I hope you have enjoyed Williams visit at home I have missed him much while he has been absent. If this reaches you before you he leaves, tell him not to stay so he will not be back in season

 

            Give my love to all write me often

 

                                                From your Obedient Son

                                                                        Gerham

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