“Campbell Hospital”

                                                                                                Washington, D.C.

                                                                                                            April 12, 1863.

 

Dear Father—

                                    I sent you, on Saturday, from this Hospital, a letter, written in pencil, from at Potomac Creek. I hope you had been informed, and correctly, through newspaper reports, that I was wounded, though not seriously. The opportunity to write, or send word, did not occur, so you must have been in much apprehension. I am fortunately getting well rapidly—my wound being in healthy condition—though the ball still remains in the hip. The surgeons think it will not trouble me at all, and may yet come out.

 

            Yesterday I wrote to Mother, saying I desired to go home, if a convenient place could be found for me—or, otherwise, I would go to Phila. hospital, / which would be more pleasant than here. I said I would wait here until you could see her, and determine if it would be desirable that I should go to Trenton. The “War Department” will, in a day or two, give all officers, who are able to go home, a furlough for sixty days—they are at liberty, then, to go to such places, near home, as may best please them.

 

            I am able to walk about the wards, limping of course.

 

            Will remain here until you shall procure me a good place, say at Trenton, at a privat house, or in Phila., or at home, although I would be considerable trouble to them, and you have written me. The colored man John is with me, and will go on with me.

 

            I had received no letters from you up to the morning I left Potomac Creek / and hence have not learned whether you received the money I sent just previous to our march. I suppose you did.

 

            I am just sending John down town to look after the box sent me from Trenton.

 

            I send love to all in Trenton, and compliments to friends who inquire of me.

 

                                                                                    very truly

                                                                                                Your son

                                                                                                W. S. Austin,

                                                                                                2d Lieut 5^th N.J.

 

On Sunday I found a lady friend in “Mary Hamilton,” niece of Martha Pollard’s (Mrs. Durfree’s) husband. She promised to call again.

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