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[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

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

GLC02743.01

to Mother

He writes he is on one of the finest steamers.

GLC02743.02

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

GLC02743.07

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

They have orders to move somewhere else but have not gone anywhere else. He has a cousin that works for Adams Express and he will make sure "N" is forwarded. He was in a sugar mill the other day and got to see the whole process of making sugar and...

GLC02743.09

to Mother

He talks about how much each of the newspapers are worth, depending on their region. He talks about the cost of living. He reiterates that he is in excellent health. They say the army is demoralizing but he is drinking no more than before he joined.

GLC02743.10

to Mother

He has decided to sell all his stock except the white heifer and the cults. He sold his horse. Recently he went to New Orleans and spent time with Charley.

GLC02743.11

to Mother

He was ordered to go on the boat in charge of the Generals' bodyguard. He describes his experience and the bayou.

GLC02743.12

to Mother

He believes the fighting will be over by the first of April. Nobody is hurt currently.

GLC02743.13

to Mother

He was not feeling well the past week but this morning he woke up with an appetite and seems to have returned to his old self.

GLC02743.14

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 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

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

GLC02743.18

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

GLC02743.25