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[Carver?] Hospital, Meridian Hill, Washington, D.C. May 20th, 1862
Dear Mother.
I suppose that after getting thy last news from me thee will be somewhat anxious to hear from me again. All the Vermonters and many others of the sick, who were so uncomfortably quartered in the filthy rebel Barracks at Yorktown were placed on board the Steamer Arrowsmith on the 14th and started down the York River none knowing where we were going, but each having some particular port where he was to go ashore; many of the Vt.'ers. were sure of going to Burlington; others were going to N.Y. & Phila.; I made up my mind to land about where the Arrowsmith discharged her cargo, and I was all right though it was a long time before
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we found it out. We started about noon and got well into the Potomac before dark, where we anchored till day light & then steamed up to the Dock in this City at about two P.M. There were one or two Boats in ahead of us so we were not brought on shore till the seventeenth; this was the most te= dious part of the trip, as very many on board will never be promoted for cleanliness. Though in Barracks here as at [Y?], we are nicely situated. The Shantys are nicely whitewashed inside and out; we have good cots & [Husk?] Mattresses with an abundant supply of new woolen Blankets. Our food is excellent bread and coffee in the morning; at noon the first quality of Vegetable soup with plenty of fresh meat & Bread and at night Bread and Tea. Our Surgeon is a very nice appearing [man?].
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There are two others of our Co. here but neither is of Plainfield Enlist= ment: Charley Templeton is here and has the bed next mine. We were taken much in the same way, caught cold, had slow Fevers and are getting along about the same now; we have good appetites and good chances to gratify them; walk out in the fields orchards and gardens some 3 or 4 miles a day; go to the creek to bathe when we chose [it?]. I do not know how long we shall stay here, but I hear that none are to be sent to their Regt's. at present. I am al= most ashamed of this writing, but the ill look are more owing to the inconvenience of my Desk than any thing else. Please write immediately and direct to Carver Hospital, Meridian Hill, Washington, D.C. Love to all; farewell W.B.Stevens.
