Washington, D. C.

August 10th, 1863.

Dear Wife,-

I have intended to write you every day for several days but have not felt able to do the task.

No doubt Father has told you all about his journey to Washington for brother Will and how surprised I was to see him. The first I knew of his being here was when he came to my room. You cannot have any idea how pleased I was to see him. I did not know where to find brother Will until he told me. I could walk about my room but did not know as I would be strong enough to ride on the horse-cars to see him before he went home. I made the attempt with Father's help. I walked about half a block to get to the cars and they passed close to the Armory Square Hospital where Will was. I got there and saw him and returned to my boarding-house feeling better for having seen him. I was well tired out from the exertion but it did not injure me any.

I will now finish this letter to you. I was interrupted yesterday by changing boarding places. The doctor found us one in a good location and we made the change. Lieutenant Reid and I occupy the same room. It is large with two windows. I pay seven dollars a week. We have as good board but not as much style as at the other place.

I am feeling much better today. My liver does not trouble me as much as it did and my diarrhoea I hope is checked. I can go down to my meals now and take a short walk into the street. I will try to get to the express office and send you some money. I will send you $170.00. I was paid $319.00. I paid in the last two weeks for board, washing and ice, $25.00. In changing places I save $3.50 per week which is quite an item.

I hope to feel stronger the next time I write. I shall try to get a leave of absence as soon as I get strong enough to stand the journey home.

Captain Crary was in the city a few days ago and called on me. He has resigned on account of poor health. He was on his way home. He resigned the 28th of last month. I did not expect him to stay long in the service.

The Company is now without an officer,-Captain Crary resigned, Lieutenant Culver is in New York on detached service recruiting, and I am here sick. I wish I were able to go back to them. I will do so as soon as I can. If I can get home for thirty days I would gain faster and sooner be able to return to the Company. I know the climate at home is better for me at this hot season of the year than the heated air of this city. If Lieutenant Culver is not returned I must go as soon as the surgeons will let me. I will know about it in a few days and will write you.