Letters of Rev. John W. Alvord

[in pencil at top] Duplicate

Culpepper Court House Va August 11, 1862

My Dears,

I started in a Hospital Steamer—but it was detained. I thought it a good time to see to things in Washington and in this army. I was just in season for the slaughter which the recent battle made. Genl Bank's command fought desperately and have suffered much in consequence. The 2^d Mass, especially. Mr Quint is safe. He went over the rebel lines yesterday with a flag of truce. The wounded have suffered beyond description in this heat. About one thousand were brought here and last night three trains of them left for Washington. This P.M. two more trains will go. I have been working quite hard but feel well though weary. One gets so used to these awful scenes. I look at mangled men thinking only of what will relieve them and this prevents the mere physical sympathy