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The author describes his current surroundings in Northern New York. A page may be missing as there is no greeting or date.

GLC02743.32

[Collection of George F. Thomson, field and staff, 38th regiment, Massachusetts, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .32]

Letters of an assistant surgeon in the 38th Massachusetts primarily written from Louisiana. Twenty-nine of the letters are written to his mother.

GLC02743

to Mother

They have orders to sail this morning. He promises to write as soon as they arrive somewhere. He describes a small beach in the distance. He mentions Aunt Elisabeth.

GLC02743.03

to Sir

They left Williamsport and have marched 15 miles. They currently have 18 Rebels and 18 horses. He is well and wants him to tell his folks that he is well.

GLC02743.30

to Mother

He gives her instructions on how to divide his property in case he doesn't return.

GLC02743.01

to Mother

They might be going to Texas and if so, good times are in store. They have plently of provisions , enough to last six months. He is in great health.

GLC02743.04

to Mother

They are still on the desert island, en route to New Orleans. He mentions McClellan.

GLC02743.07

to Mother

He writes he is on one of the finest steamers.

GLC02743.02

to Mother

They are now off the Tortugas. They got to see Fort Tyler. The trip has been pleasant. He says he has never enjoyed a trip so much in his life. There is no fighting in the near future.

GLC02743.05

to Mother

They are now on the Mississippi River. The trip was, for the most part, uneventful but the night was rather rough and uncomfortable.

GLC02743.08

to Mother

At one point they went off on an alligator hunt and had a great time. He mentions another story concerning a horse but the details are illegible.

GLC02743.06

to Mother

He weighs more now than he did when he left home. He does not see much chance of a promotion right now. He encloses photographs (not included here)

GLC02743.29

to Mother

They received orders to start for Baton Rouge. He says to tell Charley it will be impossible to get a furlough at this time.

GLC02743.15

to Mother

They are now near Berwicks. They suffered some losses with 6 killed, 91 wounded.

GLC02743.18

to Mother

They are in Carrollton again and they are camping in a very beautiful spot. He mentions an Eliot Bundy and a Capt. Hopkins.

GLC02743.21

to Mother

He would like to stay in the field but he may be ordered to establish another hospital in which case he won't be able to write. He asks her to save the Plymouth Paper.

GLC02743.24

to Mother

There are a lot of crickets lately and he is afraid they will eat through everything. They are camped about a half-mile from the river. He would like to have 500 dollars.

GLC02743.27

to Mother

They reach Baton Rouge and were ordered to march not long after. He hopes they will go to Texas next. He mentions that Uncle Dan owes him over 300 dollars.

GLC02743.16

to Mother

At Red River they plan to cut off the Rebel's supplies through Texas. He writes that he finds the place, where they are now, despondent. He talks about the risk of illness.

GLC02743.19

to Mother

A fellow friend and soldier was shot and killed by a sharpshooter. Capt. Hopkins is sick. He has about 150 patients in his care currently.

GLC02743.22

to Mother

They are in New Orleans and will probably go to Carrollton four miles away to camp.

GLC02743.25

to Doctor

He talks of how many states have recently joined the Union or elected emancipationists.He thinks Jefferson Davis will soon be pushed out of the places they currently occupy.

GLC02743.28

to Mother

They are camped in the city opposite New Orleans.They've been having pleasant food like green peas, new potatoes and lettuce. Two large mules will be arriving from New Orleans. Written in the neighborhood of Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana.

GLC02743.17

to Mother

They had two killed and one wounded the other day. Letter includes rough sketch of the Rebels' movements.He includes a whole catalogue of items he wants his mother to send including handkerchiefs and socks.

GLC02743.20

to Mother

They are getting ready to march. He wants Charley to send a powerful glass, like an opera glass but large and with a leather case.

GLC02743.23