Davids Island

Feb 3^rd '64

 

Dear Sister

                        I now improve this opportunity of writing you a few lines letting you know where I am, and how I am getting along. you will see by the heading of this that I am not at the same hospital that I was in when I went home. when I was in the City of NY I learned that McDougal hospital had been broken up and the patients sent to this place (Davids Island) so it was necessary that I should report here also. I arrived at N.Y.C. Monday at ten oclock P.M. the same / day that I left Waterloo. I staid over a day in the city and did not report to the hospital until Feb 3^rd. while in the city I visited Barnum's Museum and quite a number of other places of note. When I arrived at this place I reported to the Officer of the day. I told him that I had just returned from furlough. he didnt question me any but assigned me to a Pavilion, so you see I am all right again. It appears that when an affidavit like mine is sent to the Surgeon in charge of a hospital, if he approves of it he dosnt answer it, but if he does not approve of it he writes for you to return imediately. so you see mine must of been approved of. if I had only of known what I do now in regard to getting my furlough extended, I could of staid at home one or two months just as well as not, but never mind it it is to late now. This hospital is situated about five miles east of the other one and at the / mouth of Long Island sound it is on an Island containing about forty achres, also a very pleasent place for a hospital. the boys like it much better than they did at the other hospital. It seems almost like being in a prison after being home. I am well my wound is getting along very well. I supose you and Maggie are enjoying yourselves as much as is possible for you. I am glad that you had the privelege of going to to Elmira to school, for a good education is something that a person will never have a reason to regret. If I was out of the army I think I would be at school now for it was my intention to go three or four more terms to a Seminary then attend a commercial College, but that plan is frustrated, and when I get out of the army, that is if such is my good luck, I think it is doubtful if I ever attend school any more. Julia will you please tell me what the is the name of your Magazine is. 

 

Will you please please tell me the particulars about the donation that was for Mr. Douglass and how much funds there was raised for him. by the way, how do you flourish in short hand. Maggie also do you find much time to spare to practice it I shall expect a letter from you both before long in short hand. please tell Maggie I will soon expect a letter from her, the one that is due me. she knows my address so she has no excuse whatever. Julia how would you like to go to a surprise with Uncle David tonight "hem hem" maybe maybe some one else would like to go to to, what do you think eh. Ill bet they would. but my going is plaid out for a year and a half at least. Julia that ring you gave me to get mended is lost. I was intending to get it fixed then send it to you, but I can't now.

 

                                    Give my respects to Maggie

                        and write soon to

                                    Your Affec't brother

                                                            Albert.

Julia.                           Lieu't Edwin

P.S. address me at,

                        U.S. Hospital

                        Davids Island

10^th Pavilion.               N.Y.

 

I dont know as

the addres is right on

this letter, if it isnt please

tell me what it is.

SOURCES