Edward P. Stone to Family
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The result of my applic- ation for leave to go to Washington with the soldier’s
corpse was leave refused, as no leaves are granted in any case except where the
different grades of surgeons certify that it is abso- lutely necessary to save
life: but after a journey to round to Hq. Qrs. of reg’t, brigade division,
corps, and grand Division in regular order I rec’d “Special Order No. 37” from
Gen. Franklin who commands that “E P Stone Chaplain 6th
Vt Vols will imme diately proceed to Washington &c,” you see there is quite
a difference between be- ing permitted and being ordered. Then our ambulance was
ordered and during the night I rode to the South Landing at Bell Plain when I
got the Provost Marshal’s pass, sent my horse back to camp by one of the
ambulance men, was rowed in a small boat to Capt Pitkin’s Landing, got his order
for transportation, slept a little in cousin John’s tent, went out to assist
chaplain Hale who was brought down in an ambulance to go to the hospital at
Washington, got on board
a small steamer that took us to a larger
one which we have just exchanged for the Zeper. Dr. Tuttle & Lt. Green
discharged from our reg’t, are on board. I expect to reach W. this p.m. dispatch
business and return as soon as pos- sible.
New Years day. The Gen’s order allowed three days which expire tonight, but delay in the Provost dept. will probably prevent my reaching camp before tomorrow though I shall not be blamed I believe.
Stratton arrived yesterday with a coat from Woolson’s all right and better made than I have had before. The parcel that Denney brought had left here for camp before I arrived so that I have not seen it yet. John & S. have got theirs. I hope to find letters from you when I return, to inform me that you are not sick as I have feared and that you have rec’d the $400. check I sent the 10th ult.
I have got me some eatables and other conveniences: also got my chest out at the store house.