Hygeia Hospital Ft. MunroeAugust 24th 1862My Darling Wife

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I received your second letter from Concord, last eve, stating that Father is worse. Am very sorry to hear it. I wish I could get home a few days. I thought he would get well at Saratoga, and I think he will yet. I never thought but he would recover. But he will need the utmost care and quiet, nothing should be allowed to disturb his mind. You can do a great deal for him without wearing yourself down if you are but prudent of your strength, but I know you wont be, for you will do a thousand things about the house that some one else could & should do. Women are always foolish and I suppose they always will be. But let him have every attention possible. That was a curious dream about Mrs. A. but we would do well not to let it pass without its influence on us. The uncertainty of life is brought more and more vividly to

our mind daily. Yr friends Crain found out I was here and called on me yesterday eve. They were very polite, offered to do anything for me they could. They just came in to day and brought me some books to read. I am getting better. Shall go out bathing on the beach in a day or two. I had a billious difficulty & could not eat. All my stomach would bear was ice-water for about two weeks, but as soon as I got here I grew better, & have an appetite now. Yes darling make all the wine you can, for I shall come home with chronic diarhea & billious complaints that may hang about me for years & shall need stimulants for a long time. Mr. Crain brought in your letter from Nashua. I will write to Father. Let me hear often how he is, You can direct to Hygeia Hospital Ft. Munroe Va. Mr. C. will bring or send to me immediately.

Yr fond husbandWheelock