Generall Hospital
Armory Square
Washington Oct 14th 1862
Dear Kate,
Yours of the 9th was received yesterday. I was glad to hear that you had started for home. I am in hopes that you will have good health and the children. You must be carefull and see that they are clothed warm not look much at fashions, for you know that will not keep them from catching cold and then you know that is the commencement of all the ills that we are subject to.
I am in first rate health and all the rest of the boys are as well as usual except for Martin. Last Saturday he got a pass and went to the city and had not been heard from last night. I think he has diserted without any doubt. I pity the poor worthless plug and if it were not for Mary I would like to be sent after him. Let him go if that is the way he serves this country. I do not feel any that way yet and do not think I shall.
Yesterday I went and see the Smithsonian Institute. I see some of the wonders of this world. I wished that you could be there to see it with me, then I could enjoy such things more than I do now. About all they do now is keep my mind (busy?) the most of the time so I do not have any time to get home sick I heard from Eldridge the other day. Bill and Jed the same. Harry no better. Luther Armstrong is dead.
(The rest of this letter may be part of a batch of undated pieces)
