GOODELL FAMILY LETTERS- #36
 

Anson to Parents

Foster Hospital
New Berne Jan. 14 [1864]

Dear Father and Mother

            (Enclosed find $20 with which do as you please) I received a few days since in a letter from Edwin your pictures and am very grateful for them. They are excellent photographs and I judge very natural though it has been more than two years since I have seen you.

            Father is complete though it seems you look careworn and anxious and I suppose it speaks correctly. The lines that had begun to furrow your brow seem to be heavier and more deeply furrowed. You have worked too hard since we left home especially. But what is the use of trying I can’t write what my heart feels as I look upon each one Father, Mother or dear little Charlie. It would be better accord with my feelings to go into the North west room and have such a chat as I used to and not be obliged to look at your pictured semblance but face to face talk over by-gone days and memories that are precious.

            I want to see you O how much yet would not hasten the time one minute that separates us. No I would not have you think for a moment I am sick of service or as an old veteran of Florida and Mexican wars in the ward with me says – “a feather bed soldier whining for home and Pa and Ma” yet home is precious and a brute in human must be to whom it has no attractions and for which he does not at all time have earnest longings.

            Mother you are looking better than when I left home. Not that time has made you younger or decreased the wrinkles that age & worrying cares have made but you do not look as desponding and low spirited as you used to. Perhaps it is all in my imagination but it won’t do any harm for me to say what I have.

            Charlie where did you get that jacket – those pants and those nice boots? Do you slide down hill any? Wouldn’t I like to ride with you! Better believe I would. I want you to write me a good long letter and tell me all about what you are studying. Charlie Davis writes Hezzie letters and I want you to write me one. You must learn to write some of the black boys will beat you.

                                                            Your brother Anson

My health is now pretty good and I hope to go to the Co. in a few days. At least the Dr. tells me I may but after all if I tell the head Dr. how I am honestly I fear he will keep me longer. It seems too bad that I should waste so much time in the hospital. But I am feeling quite well now and think I had better try duty probably the Reg. will not have much to do while the veterans are at home on furloughs. Continue to direct as usual for I may not leave here for some time yet.

                                                            Good bye Your dutiful son

                                                                                    Anson

[Written on top of first page]

There is a book entitled W. Phillips Speeches and Letters or something like that which I would like and if you see it in any book store or news room in Boston I would like to have you purchase it and keep it for me. The cheap edition costs between 1 & 2 dollars, I believe. I admire his style of speaking very much and believe him an able orator.