Culture

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.

The Phoenix, May 27, 1904

“A proselyte is the most obnoxious type of an enthusiast and new purchasers of automobiles seem to suffer in a similar direction. A few arrests for fast driving by automobiles would have a salutary effect and might prevent some serious accidents. Several automobiles constantly run their machines, both in and outside of the village, at excessive speed.

They frequently come tearing down Putney road at a 20 mile an hour clip and pay little attention to the rights of people with horses. Several men who have fast horses which are not afraid of the cars have had the animals so badly frightened by the sudden approach of automobiles that they are now very difficult to control whenever an automobile appears.”

Washington, May 26, 1864.

Dearest Abiah,

I wrote to you a few lines last night, just to let you know of my whereabouts. Well, I am well today. Have eaten my allowance of grub. There are at this commission some thirty of forty awaiting examination. One reason why I wanted to go to the front was, there have been so many passed by the board I thought I should die with old age before I got a commission. I was just going to the front and fight my way up or – – – but I have concluded to stay here contented until my turn comes for an examination. This is all I have to say for myself. If Grant has to fall back, I shall go to the Regiment. As long as he is pushing on I feel very well. I suppose you know more about those that have been killed and wounded than I do, so I shall say nothing about it. I believe such fighting has never been known in the history of the world, it was almost certain death or wounds in that wilderness, full of concealed rifle pits, but Lee has had to leave that cover.

(Outside cover)

Head Qrts D of Washington,

22 Army Corps, May 25, 1864

Pass the bearer, via Long Bridge, to

Rendezvous of Distribution –

Washington, May 25^th, 1864.

Dear Wife,

Here I am in Washington. Came in the morning. Got permission to appear before the board, but when I got down here and could see over into Virginia where men were pouring out their blood like water for their country, the old feeling came over me to rush to the battle. I thought I would find Mr. Baxter and advise with him. You see I had nothing but my word to prove that I belonged to the 6^th Vermont. Mr. Baxter did not advise me, but I concluded to go, for I am not like Lynn. He thinks a living coward is better than a dead hero. Would not you blush to be the wife of a living coward, but Lynn does not mean it. He is not able to take the field.