University Hosp          Oct 22, 1863

New Orleans La.

 

Dear Father

            By the George Washington I received your welcome letter of Oct 5^th and was very glad to see that you received the one I sent you.

 

I am glad to see that you are all getting better as I am myself. I had a felon on my thumb and last night Dr lancend it and now I am all right. they are pretty sore things. I am glad to see you have the privilage of seeing the family once in a while as I hope I shall in the space of a few months if my life is spared. I expect soon to be sent to the convalescent camp where I my stand a chance of getting a furlough or a discharge which a good many are getting down there I shall not be able to do duty for some time yet, but my leg is getting strong so I can knock around pretty well. the Dr has nothing to do with it now. but I take a suringe and squirt water through it twice a day myself. I guess that soldier was mistaken about not doing duty in the ranks for twelve months. I do not even look for either a discharge or a furlough now as the Head Dr told me flatly that I could not have one. yes if my life is spared I may come home when my time is out, not before.

 

Yesterday the was a large squad of sick and wounded men came in two of whom were from my Co. and one of them helped me off the field when I was wounded. before they came I was feeling pretty lonesome as they had been sending quite a number to the convalescent camp. but now I am all right. I am glad to see you are in so good health. I hope it will continue I am glad you received the papers I sent you as I think I have yours. I am also glad that work is so good on the navy yard. I hope it will continue, you have served very nigh your three years but I hope it will not stop when that is out like my time. what kind of a Gun Boat are they going to make of the Alabama, she is very old. I will try and send you some drawings as soon as possible but I don’t feel much like it as I have done so little since I have been in the army. I have sent Mother a drawing of my ward (D) not for the beauty of it but to give some idea of the room we are in. the whole institution is called the Medical College of La. but it is now used for a Hosp. I have not heard as yet from my money I sent home (20.00) I had not ought to send so much out of two mos pay but if I was having it I might spend it and when it is home it is getting interest for me. there is no news, but Gen Banks is marching to Texas with little opposition I heard a man say that Gen Magruder was captured and staff (Rebel) and were sent here. I see I must close as I can think of no more to write it is pretty hard to make out a letter give my best respects to all enquiring friends

 

                                                from your loving Son

                                                            Reuben.

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