Franklin County: Joseph Hiester to Joseph Hiester's
wife, July 27, 1863
Summary:
Having arrived in Gettysburg to care for H. W. Freedley, Dr. Joseph Hiester tells
of Freedley's wound and condition.
Mrs Mr Hiester
Monday July 27th
1863
Gettysburg
Dear Wife
I have been nursing Freedley for two days and he appears to be doing well. The pain has been less I think since I have been here He is lying on a hair mattress on the floor of Mr Wills' parlor I bought a set of Bed Springs and a mattress in Philadelphia which will make him a much better bed. He seemed much pleased by this attention. He telegraphed and wrote repeatedly since he was wounded - but, as you know, he never received them I mean he got others to do it.
He made many inquiries about you, and thought it very brave to stay in the house
as you did with the Rebels about. I am
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having a Mosquito net made to keep off the Flies. This wound is from a sound
bullet through the head of the leg Bone the large part of the Bone just below
the knee joint. It may stiffen the joint partly, for a while, but I think
finally he will have the use of it.
It will take a long time however for him to have a tolerable use of his leg.
He desires to be kindly remembered. I shall give him Maria's letter this Evening.
I am staying at McClelland Hotel, where I once stopped with you and Maria going
to Caledonia Springs. I have not yet had a scrape of a Pen from home. This goes
to Chambersburg this afternoon
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and if you
have not do so at once. but don't try to telegraph as the charge is simply an
Extortion which no one should countenance. That is unless something occurs to
make it an imperative necessity. I will stay with Freedley a few days longer - with love to all
I am affectionately your Husband
Joseph Hiester
If you get this in a few days, direct here.
