Letter dated September 28th, 1864
Sept. 28, 1864
Harewood Hospital Washington, DC
Dearest wife and best of friends
I have just got your kind letter and sit down to answer it. My health is getting better every day but I don't see any prospects of getting a discharge. I am happy to hear that you are all well and to hear that aunt Cath is so kind. I wish I could come home. I would be as glad as any one could be. We have good news from the army most every day and we think that this winter will finish up the wars. At least we all hope so. We had quite a fire here Sunday, a large barn or shed that was used for a room for a part of the invalid company and for straw storage below took fire and was all burnt up. The fire blew over towards the other barracks and tents and a good many of them took fire but we put them out again. The building you will find on the picture to the left of the flag with a small steps on it the little building to the left of that did not burn, but the headquarters with the flag on took fire in a number of places. I can't think of any more news to write this time. You must write as often as you can for it is awful lonesome here. I have just bought 30 cts worth of tobacco. No more this time
Yours truly and ever
W.W.vanAmber