1862-08-18_Letter-A_Alvord-to-MyDearBroughton-Duplicate

[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

which would otherwise shatter the nerves all to pieces. I had only three Boxes of stores and could have used 20. I had not expected to find such destitution in this army. A great deal must be made for them, or, in such times as the present they will suffer greatly. I speak of temporal want. As to reading matter they seem much more destitute than even the army of the Potomac. I shall hasten back to care for the things you have all kindly sent but how I wish I could spend some time here We wanted shirts for the whole thousand One secesh lady gave me shirts.

Yours &c (signed) J. W. A.

P.S. I took possesion of and fixed up two hospitals.

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