_Washington, June 10, 1864._ DEAREST MOTHER--I got your letter dated last
Wednesday. I do not always depend on ----'s accounts. I think he is apt to
make things full as bad as they are, if not worse.
Mother, I was so glad to get a letter from Jeff this morning, enclosing
one from George dated June 1st. It was so good to see his handwriting once
more. I have not heard anything of the reg't--there are all sorts of
rumors here, among others that Burnside does not give satisfaction to
Grant and Meade, and that it is expected some one else will be placed in
command of 9th Corps. Another rumor more likely is that our base of the
army is to be changed to Harrison's Landing on James river instead of
White House on Pamunkey.
Mother, I have not felt well again the last two days as I was Tuesday, but
I feel a good deal better this morning. I go round, but most of the time
feel very little like it. The doctor tells me I have continued too long in
the hospitals, especially in a bad place, Armory building, where the worst
wounds were, and have absorbed too much of the virus in my system--but I
know it is nothing but what a little relief and sustenance of [the] right
sort will set right. I am writing this in Major Hapgood's office. He is
very busy paying off some men whose time is out; they are going home to
New York. I wrote to George yesterday. We are having very pleasant weather
here just now. Mother, you didn't mention whether Mary had come, so I
suppose she has not. I should like to see her and Ansel too. The wounded
still come here in large numbers--day and night trains of ambulances. Tell
Jeff the $10 from Mr. Lane for the soldiers came safe. I shall write to
Jeff right away. I send my love to Mat and all. Mother, you must try to
keep good heart.