Franklin County: Samuel M. Potter to Cynthia Potter,
March 25, 1864
Summary:
Potter sends his wife a copy of his regimental history for her safekeeping and
discusses his prospects for a furlough.
Cynthia Potter
March 25 1864
Hospital Department 16th Pa Cav, Turkey Run, Va
Dear Wife
Yours of the 15 th & 18th were recieved this evening & I feel sorry for the little folk who are sick. I cant be much help to you & hope you may get along without much trouble. I expect you had better have Dr. Davidson to see Josey & he can tell I suppose what causes the pain in the side & what you had better do for it. Give Josey as nourishing diet as you can to keep up his strength, milk & eggs if you can get them. Nurse his appetite with anything nourishing you can get him to eat. I got a letter from Father last Sabbath. Lizzie was about well & Susie had been sick 4 or 5 days when they wrote.
On Wednesday morning we had about 8 inches of snow on the ground. Yesterday was bright & beautiful. This evening it is raining & has been for several hours & there is not much prospect of it ceasing soon. It is all quiet here. The rebs dont disturb us any. Our pickets near Bealton pick up one every now and then.
I hear that General Grant came down to the Army of Potomac yesterday & as soon as the roads are fit I suppose he will have us on the go again.
I sent you today a history of our regiment for its first years operations. I wish you would not let it get destroyed as it will be interesting to look at when I get home.
I would be very much pleased to cut your wood this evening & take my pay & some of Lucy's molasses. Nothing could afford me more pleasure. Then I could do something for Josey & have my helpmate at hand!
You speak of settling Ambless note. I expect that will be the best plan owing to the distance he lives from Good Intent. There is some talk of the paymaster coming around before long. Let me know how you get along with your money. In regard to the office you may rest assured that I will make every effort to get it but you see others have a say about it. Dr. Hermann was at Harrisburg this week talking to Dr. King about his own & my case. Dr. King promises him as soon as there is a vacancy would occur he would procure a furlough for me so that I can go to Harrisburg & be examineed. Dr. H. will also go to be examined for Surgeon as he is now only an Assisstant. He & I will go together as soon as Dr. King says so.
If we get some more recruits I will get the position in this regiment as the Col has as much as promised to use his influence. If our regiment is not recruited up I will have to wait until Dr. Hermann is promoted Surgeon to some other regiment. Then I will get his place here. So we must have patience. It is late bedtime & I will not close my letter until morning but go to bed asking the choisest blessing for my wife & family that their lives may be spared & enabled to honor God in all that they do. Good night.
Saturday March 26th
Nothing new this morning. All
Quiet. I wonder how you all are this morning. I hope Josey is better. We had
about 20 recruits come in a few minutes filling up a little. It may be we will
get enough before long to give me an Assisstant
Surgeons position. I will be rejoiced for your sake if it is so. I can get home
to see you & have more means for your comfort at home. I am very busy
with reports today & cant answer your two
letters as well as I would like to do but remain with unchanged love
Your most affectionate husband
S.M. Potter
Write soon
