In Gen. Hospital No. 1.

Lexington Ky March 3. 63

 

            Laura

                        I have written since I first came into a hospital no less than nine letters without receiving an answer to one. now I want you if any person has been writing anything about me or if you have heard anything at all in God's name write and let me have one chance in a thousand to defend myself I don't see why you should stick to me while I was in health and as soon as sickness comes on leave without a solitary letter to cheer me up in my afflictions you have not even the most distant idea what I have suffered just for the want of letters. in the beginning letters did me more good than medicine but now it is get well if I can not a person in this Hospital I ever saw until I came here no one to speak to all day long but strangers who care nothing for me only to what money I have by me. Now Laura if you bear any of the affection you once professed to for me write and tell me what / the trouble is and who is the instigator and thereby give me a chance to defend myself I know I have enemies there as well as in the Reg't. and all I want is a chance to know who they are I can deal with an enemy when I know him but if I don't know who my enemy is and you have concluded to let them slander me what am I to do I have no one else to go to with my troubles so I must do as but I can.

 

            I presume it is of no use for me to tell you how I am in regard to health as you don't appear to be much concerned about my living or dying I never took more delight in anything in my life than I did in writing and answering your letters and one of those old fashioned letters would be as acceptable now as ever at any other time but I don't get them now and I want if I can to find out the reason you think proper to remain so doggedly silent of late now when we left Rockford Asa agreed to answer my letters and and keep me posted I have had two letters from him. I have written to Charles twice and received no answer and there is no one else to write to or that I will ever write while I keep my / present mind. I know the matter gaulds Laura and that a good deal but let that matter rest there is no use in agitating the question

 

            There has been times since I have been in the Hospital that I have been trying to write when it seemed as thoug my head must split when the nurse would kindly offer to write for me but do you suppose I would trust another to put my thoughts on paper to you no when that time comes you will not hear much from nor very often from me.

 

            The rebels came near taking Lexington a few days ago and I am almighty sorry they did not succeed in taking it we would got off for a while at any rate if not for good I intend if I can make the thing work to go into the Gunboat service as soon as I can get to Louisville. Now I want you if you've the time to spare to answer this and at the least calculation tell me how the children are. When you write

            direct to General Hospital No. 1

                        Lexington Kentucky

yours as ever faithful & true                                                               David R. Burgess

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