Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865 to Lodema
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02596.08 Author/Creator: Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 December 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24.7 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
The day before yesterday, orders came for Sigel's Corps to change position. When they came to load up, it was discovered that one of the wagons needed repairing and would have to be sent back to Washington; someone would have to accompany the wagon to ensure that it was repaired. Went to the city to see Wellington today. Found him sitting up and quite comfortable. Says he has a good appetite and feels very well but he is still weak; Bettes stayed with him for an hour. Everything about the hospital is as neat as a pin; Wellington says he has everything he needs and the best kind of care. An agent from an aid society in Ohio had been to the hospital to see the patients and tend to their every need. Bettes found no difficulty in accessing the hospital. Writes that if all their sick could be so well taken care of, he would feel very satisfied. Bettes wanted S. Z. Dickinson to go the same hospital that Wellington has gone to, but Dickinson thought he had better stay in the Regimental Hospital for a few days. When the order came for the Army to move, Dickinson was put into an ambulance and sent to Fairfax, Ohio; Bettes has not seen or heard of him since that day. This camp is composed of the disabled horses and dismounted men of their Regiment. When one of their horses gives out, he is sent here and remains until the government can supply another one. There are about 60 men here now but few are fit for duty. There are parts of other Regiments encamped there; it is not a very desirable place to stay, and Bettes will start back for the Regiment in the morning. Expects to find them somewhere near Brentsville, Virginia about three miles from Bristow Station. May also find them at Chantilly as he heard that they were ordered to leave their teams and baggage there until further orders. Written at camp on Hall Farm, 4 miles from Washington, D.C.
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