Chesnut Hill Hospital
Dec 3d /63
Dear Cousins Lyman
and Mary It is with a
Degree of pleasure that
I sit down to pen a few
lines to you to let you
know my where abouts
and also that I am still
among the living as yet
I left home on the 10th of
November and arrived at
the Hospital on the 12th
I was most tiard out with
the long ride on the Cars
My health is quite poor
I have been quite sick the
most of the time since
I came from home But
I am now getting a little
better I am in hopes of
getting my health better
Some time I think I have
[Page 2]
had about my share
of sickness for the last
year I had a letter from
Jane a few days ago and
she was well But Della
was sick and Mother also
the rest of the friends
were well as usual at
that time This Hospital
that I am in is a very
large one and well Con
ducted The Surgeon in
Charge has sent a good
many to there Regiments
lately he examined me
and said I was not fit
for field duty But he said
perhaps I could do some
light duty around the
Hospital I wish I was able
to go to my Regt I could
enjoy my self better
there than I can here
[Page 3]
I had a letter from Br
Harvy a few days ago
he was well at the time
of his writing he stands
it first rate I wish I was
as healthy as he is I would
not stay here long Well
Lyman general grant is
giving the Johney Rebs
fits in Tenisee he has
kicked them and is still
in persuit of them and
general Mead is fighting
Lee but we dont know yet
with what success I think
he will whip Lee I hope so
for I want to see the war
drawing to a close and I think
it will close in a few mon
thes more Well Lyman I
have Bargained for that farm
that Jane is living on I got
it for 1000 dollars and have
6 years to pay for it
[Page 4]
I think I can pay for it
and then I shall have
a home of my own I am
tiard of moving around
I dont think of any thing
more at present so I will
Close Hoping soon to hear
from you give my love
to uncle and Aunt
and also to all the Cousins
and except the same you
and Mary Please Write
soon and oblige your friend
Elijah Foster
To Mr & Mrs Foster
Direct to Chesnut Hill
Hospital Philadelphia
pen na
Ward 10
Bed 49