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Washington, June 7, 1864.

Dear Brother,

Mr. Baxter has just handed me a dispatch from you informing me that mother is dangerously ill. How I hope that she may recover, for I have fondly hoped that I might see you all again. I have received a letter from her and father since I have been here. It does not seem possible that I shall never see here again. I write this without waiting to get your letter, for you to assure her of that which I know she will be pleased to hear, that I am resolved to live nearer God than I have done. I cannot begin as some can, with a sudden breaking light. I have always been convinced of the true Christianity, but my vision has always been obscured and the faults of Christians have always been in my way, but I have resolved to throw all such things behind my back and not let those come between me and my duties. I regret now much that I have never prayed with my family. That is a thing I never mean to neglect, if I ever live to get home, however dark my own light may be.

Washington, June 7, 1864.

Dearest Abiah,

Still in Washington. Shall not probably get away this week. Have no news to write. The battle still rages around Richmond, for it is an almost continued battle. There were many wounded brought in yesterday and this morning. I saw long trains of ambulances going to the wharf for wounded, but no returns are published yet, only the names of some of the officers. Lieut. Col. Henry of the 10^th is wounded. I expect there will probably be a list of the wounded in the morning papers. If I see any names that I know I will send a paper. The hospitals here are getting pretty well cleaned out, some die, some go home on furloughs, some are going back to their Regiments. There are many hard cases yet in the hospitals. Mr. Loring’s son died yesterday. The diarrhoea set in, and he was so low that he sunk under it. I have not seen Mr. Loring since I wrote you last. Capt. Lillie died last night, and Capt. Hurlburt will hardly live through the day. The weather is still very favorable to the wounded. There is now a mail established to the White House. A boat leaves here every morning. It takes about 24 hours to go from here to the White House, and three boats are put on.

Washington, June 6^th, 1864.

Dear wife,

I did not finish my letter yesterday, so will write a little more today. You ask me about the length of time I must serve. I feel a little delicacy about talking to anyone about what I have not got, but it is this way, it is for life or during good behavior, but there is no doubt but I can get out of it at any time I can give a good excuse for resigning it is the same as in the volunteer service. The government is not obliged to receive a resignation, but they do it. I should not feel like resigning during my term of service if the war lasts. If it does not last, I shall, but I must get my commission first. I think then I shall have you with me if it is a possible thing. It will depend upon where I may be, if in a fort then you can be with me, if in the field, I shall not try it.

Washington, June 5, 1864.

Dearest wife,

Here I am yet. This morning received two letters from you. They come double. Was very sorry to hear that Edmond Goodwin was killed. I am going to the Columbia Hospital and Carver this afternoon. Was in to Mr. Baxter’s room this morning. Told Mrs. Baxter where I was going. Gave me a dollar and told me to buy some Strawberries for some of the boys at the Carver. She gave me their names and Wards. She spends all her time for the soldiers, goes to all the hospitals and finds the wants of the boys, If she does not have a supply, impresses some one into the service and sends them next day. She had a list of the articles that they wanted where she was going today, some Lemon pies, some Rhubarb, some dried apple turn over, some oranges and some lemons. These things she pays for with her own money.

Washington, June 2, 1864.

Dearest Abiah,

Here I am yet. Report every morning at 9 o’clock. Have just been up. Shall probably have to remain here for a week longer, perhaps two weeks. They are today examining men that came in on the 19^th of May, but the number grows less every day. I see many persons here that I know. See Henry Newcomb almost every morning. His office is just across the street from where I report. He has been up to the Columbia, Carver and Campbell Hospitals with me. Saw Jacob. His health is first rate. There were many Vermonters in the Carver Hospital, but when I was there did not know it. When I returned, called at Mr. Baxter’s boarding place, and who should I find but Mr. Loring.