Hammond, Horace J. to Eleanor Hammond
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09273.19 Author/Creator: Hammond, Horace J. Place Written: City Point, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 January 1865 Pagination: 6 p. ; 21.3 x 13.6 cm. Order a Copy
Most everyone is healthy. Leg is feeling fine, but an ulcer sore has developed on it above the ankle in addition to the sores that were already there below the knee. Received three letters, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh she has sent, from her this morning. Also received $1.50 and six postage stamps. Felt bad to hear that William Nash had "such bad luck." Asks to let Nash know that he feels his pain, because something similar happened to him when he was shot in the leg. As soon as the leg had begun to heal, it began to be covered in sores. The leg is getting better now. By the time fighting starts up again in the spring, his one year term will be over half done. "Went into Washington under a flag of truce, and our folks think maybe there will be something done" to end the war "before spring." Thinks "so much" of his family; they are worth more to him than "all the world." If she can get Cook to wait for the other half of the money until fall and pay the first half now, she had better do that. The government owes him about $135. If they pay him now, he probably will not get paid for the rest of his time in the army. If she does borrow money, she should be sure not to borrow too much. If he does get paid one more time before his time is up, he can pay the second half to Cook then. Wants to know if she managed to sell that half ton of hay to anyone. Must make sure to save some money for his family, "so if anything happens that we will have a little money to help ourselves with." Weather is a bit warmer today, and the sun is shining. "I think the Lord will bring me safely through and let me return to my family." She must be patient until "we will live Christian together." Tells her to tell everyone he is well and to tell Charles and Matilda that he wants to see them.
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