Moore, Samuel Preston, 1813-1889 to "Sister"
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01880 Author/Creator: Moore, Samuel Preston, 1813-1889 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 26, 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 18.5 cm Order a Copy
The Confederate Surgeon General agrees to show the "sister's" friend around and pledges not to mention a word to him about her "Richmond scrapes." Discusses how bored he is there and his desire to get transferred to the staff of a general. Adds a postscript about "D.W." who "continues to put on many airs." Letter written on the Surgeon General stationery. Says "Your friend Mr. B has arrived and I assure you it will afford me great pleasure to comply with your request in showing him around: as far, as my limited knowledge of this place will admit: You charge me not to mention to him (Mr B) anything in regard to your Richmond scrapes. I assure you such a thing would never have entered my mind: but to satisfy you, I promise to strictly comply with your request, Everything in this place continues to remain as dull as formerly. Let me know what caused you to leave this Office: if you wish it kept quiet I will not reveal to anyone the facts, Do not allow the letter handed me by Mr. B close our correspondence...Your departure from this place was very unexpected to me: I am sorry that you did not think enough of me to come & bid me good bye. I am very tired of this office would like to get upon [2] the staff or some Genl but fear I will not succeed,...intends leaving here for Charlottesville to study medicine. I must close, Believe me as Ever Your Friend ... P.S. D.W. as usual (in my opinion) continues to put on as many airs as formerly. No doubt but what he, in his own mind, thinks himself Surgeon General office & all, perhaps for good measure we might throw in desks clerk &c. All yr friends are well & send kind regards, How is that thing of yours; I mean that flappy thing? [In pencil, in another hand: Boys will be boys! ]…." This letter was likely sent to a nurse. The term "sister" was commonly used to address nurses in the 19th Century.
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