p.

Fort Stevens D. C.

Sabbath, Sept, 6, 1863.

Dear Father;

I am now living in a dark
room at Mr. Butt's, suffering from acute
inflamation of the eyes. The Dr. forbids both
reading & writing, - an unpleasant arrange-
ment. Otherwise I am quite well, & altogether
am in good spirits. The inflamation of
my eyelids has somewhat subsided, though
the inside of my eyes remains quite sore,
I hope however to get round within a
week. I keep my eyes continually bandaged,
with various applications as, sugar of
lead, sulphate of zinc & opium, boild
flax seed rose water, milk &c &c — Salts
& pills internally - I hope Uncle Joel
is better by this time. Dr Meigs is
taking care of me. Dr. Porter is sick, &
Surgeon Kidder is "played out."