1863-04-16_Letter-A_Alvord-to-MyDear

Genl Birneys Div. Hospital Army of the Potomac Apl 16, 1863

My Dears

I am belated & so drive up & stop here. It is a large tented Hospital in the field, which has been lately moved back over Potomac Creek where, in case of battle, all will be safe—the late storm has been very severe every stream overflowing its banks but the need is not yet as deep as I have seen before—Have been distributing among the troops of Gen'l Howard who are all packed up ready for the start—In my way called on Capt [Blusland?]—He is no worse but the Dr. thinks he should have a furlough & I have been [unknown] for him with Gen'l Howard—

I have just received the circular Is't it ridiculous? This poking me under every bodys nose— Well, it's out & I'm to give & bear it, If it will bring money very well, & yet that I have doubt of.

The religious interest in many Regts is delightful—In one 40 or 50 conversions—Yesterday morning I was awakened by the singing of a meeting of young converts in my large tent—They had gone in unknown to me, & seemed full of enjoyment. This morning, it was the same, only I was awake, and I heard them going in—Larger numbers were present. The chaplains are greatly en-couraged. Found today that Gen'l Howard had sent an orderly over to my guards with letters & am sure that one or two of them are from you.

17^th Stonemans

Dont find the letters from you— & am disappointed—From all other quarters they come punctually The movement dont take place & so we are all at work again as before—Mr. Johnson formerly of the Bowdoin St Ch—now of Bangor is with me—We are to each preach tomorrow in two Regts [more?] [in?]—The weather is now very pleasant. Enclosed for a 10 [toll?] Richmond Bill as a cur-iosity. It is good southern money— Keep it—also Daguerreotype of Mr. [Cross?]—And of Genl Caldwell

Yours affectionately J. W. Alvord

P.S. Tomorrow is my birth day Born 18^th Ap'l 1807—[unknown] 56.

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