Charlie

Coleman's Eutaw House,

Baltimore, Dec 17^th 1862

 

Dear Father—

                        The sick officers of the 20^th have been shifted again. This time we are consigned to the tender mercies of the Medical Director of this Dept. We were ordered to the Union Protestant Infirmary! but I begged off from that, and we have got leave to board where we please. We shall find a place this P.M.

 

We got here last evening and had to come to this hotel. They told us at Harper's Ferry that we could get furloughs here without any trouble, and I was planning a terrible surprise for you; but they tell us here that we may consider ourselves lucky in getting here, and that we cant go any / farther, so we must make ourselves as comfortable as we can, and I guess I shall be able to join my Reg soon—I hope so. I want to share in the glorious repulse. It looks rather dark down at Fredericksburg but you must remember the 20^th has not arrived yet. Capt Bromley saw my name on the books here, and called on me this morning. You don't know how disappointed I am about my furloughs. They are very hard things to get I assure you.

 

I have not heard from home for a long time, but your letters will all be forwarded to me. Direct simply Baltimore. My hand is not very steady to day, but I am getting better—Much love to all from

 

                                                            Your aff Son

                                                                        Charlie—

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