University Hosp Oct 8^th 1863

New Orleans   La

 

Dear Mother

                        I now take the opportunity to answer the two letters I received from you and one from Lizzie. which the mail was so kind as to bring me. Yours of the 12^th and 24^th and Lizzies of the 21^st I also received two Papers from Father. In one of Fathers papers I saw John Clark’s name mentioned as having furnished a substitute. I am sorry Mrs Trefethen and you is not on better terms but politics is the cause of a good deal of trouble and I think it is nothing else but that what makes this unholy war. I hope it will be different in time to come. Now what was your idea of having the bottom piece of land planted with oats. I should think that you must have a very small piece to raise enough to supply the family with through the winter. I am glad the apple trees are doing so well and the little quince tree. because I am pumping away at the Drs. to give me a furlough and I shall want to inspect them a little. I am glad to see that I am remembered by my friends. and I warrent I have not forgotten them. and if I could know their directions I would write to them. I almost laugh and it is just like you to go to Mary Lane to know how to fix things up. I suppose you keep them posted about me. I think when that box does come it will be a good one. By yours of the 23^rd I am glad to see that you have received my letters when I sent you my money I was so situated that I could not write as the Dr could not wait for me to. I guess I have received all of the letters you sent me. I am sorry you did not have a chance to see Adjt. Head when you went to Exeter. but am glad he came to see you. I have put good may “You’s” in that sentence. You need not worry about me getting my discharge as I think I shall have a good leg after all. I go without crutches or cane now and am taking care of one of the worst wounds in the hosp and a whole now besides. Yesterday I was out on pass and made a visit to Mr Hortens house I met him on the way and when we got to his house it was just dinner time, to which they invited me, so I sat down to one of the nicest meals victutes that I ever did since I was the service. I will tell you what I had. nice roast beff, sweet potatoe and gravy and such beautiful bread and apple pie which made me think of home all the trouble I had was the difference of setting down to a dinner that way. and the way I have done mostly for two years. I had a kind of bashful way about it but I kept it down all I could.

 

Head is a funny fellow and can talk very fine. I know him well. And it is strange that Lerg & Cobbs should be detailed to the army of the Potomac. when he belongs to the Gulf army. That being discharged eny-time is not so easy only when they happen to take a notion to do it. You think I would sell my shirts. I couldn’t go into N. O. and buy a pair like them for less than $8. You do not need to send me eny more at present as they are enough to carry alone By Adams Express I have sent you $20.00 Oct 3^rd which makes a hundred that I have sent since I been in the Hosp. I see my paper is getting short, so give my love to all my friends and that should like to receive a note from eny of them. I am well and hope this will find you the same

 

                                                            from Your loving Son

                                                                        R Haworth

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