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Latest revision as of 10:40, 15 August 2017

                Yorktown Sep 9th 1861

My dear Cynthia

               The morning I started 

from home I was afraid to stop to tell you good bye. I was even afraid to take more than one glance at you in passing, for fear that I might find the temptation to stop too strong for me to with stand and had I stop- ped I feel very well assured that I would have paid you a longer visit than prudence dictated, any previous resolution to the contrary, would I know have vanished into then air. I was detained at home much longer than I had expected, having as you [kow?] determined to leave Williamsburg early on Wednesday morning. I arrived in York Town without serious inconvenience, barring heat and dust. Soon after getting here

I reported to Major Randolph for duty, but found that Dr. Mott had returned from Richmond, with his health suf- ficently restored to resume his labors as surgeon of the Battalion. Not knowing what to do, I reported the fact to Dr. Crowell, he then determined to transfer Dr Mott to his Regt but I think that the order was neither greatfully or gracefully re- ceived, and I am not surprised at his not liking the transfer, as the Battalion is considered by the Surgeon the [....et?] The North Carolinians not being in such high favor as gentlemen, but are con- sidered their equals as soldiers.

  I find Major Randolph and his officers

very nice gentleman, indeed many of his men may be placed in the same category. I have so far very little to do, only six patients in the [Howitzer?] Hospital, and the same number in Capt Peyton’s company – another species

of the genus homo. However, I expect to have my hands full soon, as Gen Ma- gruder has ordered the entire Battalion [below?] if they do not have an engagement, a great many will of course return to camp sick. Major Randolph myself and a Corporal guard, ere ordered to remain.

  I would have written to you before,

could I have written in a cheerful and contented manner. I have been sick ever since I got here, besides I have had a great many little things [whose?] to attend to, which have not [very?] well calculated to improve my amiable temper. I am feeling decidedly better to-day, and have come to the very wise conclusion, to endure what can not be helped.

  The Medical Director seems determined

not to consult the wishes of his fellow surgeons, and for his [pa...s?], his is not

particularly popular. The general opinion seems to be that his is not the man for the Post. My services are really more needed in Williamsburg than here. I don’t think that there can be more than one hundred and fifty sick soldies in and around York Town, and there are seven surgeons to take charge of them. Dr. Crowell has promised to transfer me to Williamsburg, as soon as possible.

  I had written this much to you when

[Andrew?] handed me your letter. You can not tell how highly I appreciate your letter my dear dear Cynthia. I value it more highly, because, you told me the evening before I left that I need not expect to hear from you until I had written to you. In other words, if I may be allowed to expression, it was an unprovoked letter. You were misinformed about my re-

[Marginalia – at top of page 1]

I hope to be able to come up to see you this week, that is provided you do not go to Richmond. What are you going to do there and how long do you intend staying

       [CWC?]

[Beside Page 1]

Possible envelope?

[M..?] Washington

         [?]