Columbia College HospitalWashington D.CSept 7th/62My own Darling Wife

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I rec’ed a letter fr you to day that came via Ft. Monroe Was delighted to hear from you as I had not heard for several days. I came up to this Hospital last Friday upon solicitation of my friend Dr. [Connor] U.S.A. in charge here. It is a most charming place. I stop in the Doctors Qrs. & have everything to make it pleasant for me. There are several young surgeons here & we have jolly times, There are about two thousand wounded men here. It is a very healthy locality. I began to get well the day I came here & feel as well as ever almost now. I want to join my reg’t to-morrow & may, but the Doctor advises strongly against it yet. But they are going up into Maryland & I am very anxious to go along. There will be merry times there this week. I think the Rebs are caught at last. The troops are in the best of spirits now that Genl McClellan is in Comm’d

of them. They said they would fight under no one else. If he is not hampered he will bring us out all right, & I think he will have his way for once. He is the only general that has not been out-generaled as yet. My Angel I thought one while I should see you but hope is gone now for the present at least. Am very glad to hear that Father is more comfortable. I do hope he will recover. Is the Paper published now? Col. Hyde is sick again, is here in W. I must go to the reg’t We have had many & many good times indeed, & I hope have many in reserve. It may be the war wont last so long as it now threatens to. I hope not; for there is terrible suffering everywhere. We shall have terrific battles now for a short time, & then perhaps peace, & then home again. What a consummation would that be. To go home to you & find the same warm true faithful devoted wife as ever. We could afford to struggle some together even ag’st adversity if we can be together in it. Remember me to all

Yr fond husband as ever.Wheelock.