Dear Wife,-

I am sitting up in bed the best I can writing to you or trying to write you. I am growing weaker all of the time. I do not feel very sick at the stomach or am not in severe pain. Dr. Kennedy has been to see me, also Dr. Goodman. Dr. Wheeler has charge of this ward and I have a lady nurse now, a Miss Hall, and ought to be gaining. She has changed my food and I have the best in the hospital and the best of care. As you have been wanting to come and see me you may if you can leave. Dr. Kennedy says I will never get well here and I had better have a furlough and go home for a month. and he says if you were here he thought I could get one and that he would try his best for me. And then if I get one you will be here to go home with me, as I will want some one to care for me on the way. He says he will write you all about how I am. Write me when you will come if you can leave home and Ella. I have written all I can today and close. With love to you and Ella.

Yours affectionately,

R. Cruikshank.