Washington

March 12^th 1863

U.S.G. Hospital                                                                               

Armory                                                                                                          

            Square

 

Dear Aunt

                                                                                                                        Improveing the time now to let you know how I am getting a long. I am getting better fast more than I ever expected I can walk a little and can use my hands but I am very weak we are not going to stay here much longer there is a lot of the men going away from here pretty soon to make room for more. I suppose that I shall be one of the number I dont know where but it will be nearer home some are going to Phila and some to [?] grove and some to [?] / N.Y. I have not seen John yet but I have left word for him to come and see me but I dont know as he will things dont look just right to me if I go away from here I will let you know as soon as we leave You need not answer this till you here from me again your letters if they come here and I am gone Mr Brown will take them and burn them up for me that will be right I supose. it is very strangt weather here every day it rains and snows and the sun shines all the same time when it is firstrate all at once it will break and rain before you know it. I allways had an idea that Washington was the nisest place that could be but since I have been over it I find it six inches deep with mud it is as nasty again as Worcester there is not much only the name Washington that makes it sound large you know  the capital is not / finished yet but if it was done it would be pleasant place there is a number of other buildings that are very fine in there structure. I am not good at comparisons so I will dry up on that till I get more used to it the Ward is as still as can be now. I had a firstrate time yesterday while I was coming from Dr Aleans there was quite a crowd coming up front of the White House it composed of 1^st the guard and then there was two men in between with there hands in irons behind there backs and on there breasts and backs was suspended a card board with the words Thief and Pickpocket they had a drum right behind them beatting quick time the boys would sing out here's where you find youre thief and pickpocket that was fine I can tell you they wer sieterzens of the fashaonable order 

 

When I sat me down to write I did not think that I could find half so much to write and did not know what I should fill this sheet with but it is full with writing I guess as for news there is none and No fun I shall have to search the establisment to busy myself pretty soon I dont suppose you can read half of this that bear gnat Plumkell came to see me a few days ago he is about well now I have nothing to write I am as dry as a chip after you have received this [paper fold]

 

till you hear from me fore you write again

 

                                                                        Your Affectionate

                                                Nephew

                                                                        William P Hall

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