1863 Oct 10
October 10, 1863
City Hall Hospital
Macon, Georgia
Mrs. Nancy J. Harden
My dear companion,
I seat myself to drop you a line to let you know that I am well as common. My ears are not well. Hoping these lines may reach and find you well and doing well, also all the rest of the family.
I received your letter some days ago and was glad to hear from you, but I have not had the chance to write sooner.
We have many sick and wounded here and they are heap of trouble and keep us very busy. We have but few deaths here in proportion to the number in the hospitals. Our doctors are very kind and attentive to the sick. Some of the lady citizens are very charitable in their donations in the behalf of the soldiers. They send provisions nicely cooked for them. I am still nursing.
I signed the payroll today. I reckon I will draw my money in a few days.
Bob Bonhart has lost his child. It lived 10 days and died. He was drunk all the day before it died and until it was buried. He said he was glad it was dead. He cussed and swore the hardest I ever heard in my life while his child was lying on its cooling board.
Mr. Bud Reid’s wife has been very sick, but she is on the mend now.
I reckon you think I am never going to write any more, but I have concluded to write every Saturday so that you may have a letter from me every Sunday. I sent you a paper of needles in my last letter. If you will go to the office tomorrow, I think you will get this.
I saw Captain Martin this evening and he advised me to stay here until I get sound and well. He said that I would be sick if I should go to Savannah now.
I heard Brother Jett Thomas preach today. I think he has improved his talent. We will have preaching here again at 11 o’clock and tomorrow. Some of the soldiers seem to manifest some interest in divine worship, which I hope will continue to increase, etc.
I do not know when I will get to come home because I am fast in the hospital, but I will get a chance to come home before I go to my regiment, unless they get mad with me and send me off for spite, but I don’t fear that.
I believe I have written all I know what to write, but I have not said anything about my baby. If I could see her, I would be very glad. You must treat her well as you can.
I receive also the respects of Wool, Betty, and Minda and return the same to them and all the rest of the family.
I will close. Write to me soon. Give me all the news.
I am sleepy. I must go to bed. If you feel like it, you may go to bed, too, but you must not let Mollie freeze these cold nights, etc.
William H. Harden
To Mrs. Nancy J. Harden