Hospital Richmond Va.

July 20th/62

Dearest One

I am still in good health for which I try to thank our heavenly Father. This is Sunday and I recon it will be a lonesome day here. There are so many sick and so much suffering among the wounded, that there is not much pleasure to be [had] here at any time. There is to be preaching here today, by several different preachers.

A great many of the wounded have been sent home on furlough. The ladies are untiring in their labors to alleviate the suffering of the afflicted. Henry Nash is doing verry well, wound is healing some, now rests tolerable well at night. His brother Lewis arrived here on Wednesday which revived him verry much. Will be able to go home in about three weeks if nothing happens. Jimie White will loose his right arm at last, so I have been told, haven’t seen him.

Bob Boyd and Dok Fuller are not doing so well as one could wish. Bob had three wounds inflicted on him, either one would bee considered serious. But he has a good constitution and will probably recover after a long time. Fuller has a wound in the face. The ball entered at the center of his nose and lodged under his left ear just behind the jaw bone. Will be a long time getting well. Jack Boyd and Wallace have gone home on furlough. I heard yesterday that [brother-in-law] Charles was sick at a private house in the City.

I went out to the Regt yesterday to get my clouthing, but every thing I had was gone except my overcoat. I will always remember Charles and Frank for not taking care of my clothing when I was compelled to be absent. I found [nephew Harvey Williams] knapsack and will take the liberty of useing some of his [clothing] and send the balance to his mother. I will send something to Harvies Parents as Keep sakes.

Henry Hasseltin is here trying to get some of the boys on furloughs. Will start home in a few days with Dan, and George Wright. Will send this letter by him as it will bee surer to reach you than by mail. Col. Barksdale has refused to let the non conscripts off from his Reg. and they seem to bee disappointed, but that is just what I expected.

Well love there is nothing in this part of the army, all quiet and no prospect for a fight. Our recent brilliant victories has revived our men a good deal and nothing will bee left undone to follow them up with others of the same sort. I believe in two weeks from today that Washing[ton] will bee threatened by our forces. We are gaining ground on the enemy every [day].

We are listening for something good from Tenn. All eyes are now turn[ed] to our gallant troops at Vicksburg. Hope they will hold the posision. I have not received a letter from you yet, but hope to get one before many days. Am getting verry impatient.

I will send you an account of the conduct of this Brigade under Col. Barksdale during the fight. Gen. Griffith fell the first day we started in pursuit. Barksdale is in command of the Brigade and will no doubt bee promoted.

Well love I come in an [inch] of getting a transfer to the 40th Miss. Reg. but was refused because I had Franks name on the transfer. I will write to Col. [brother-in-law J.P.] Campbell again, but have no idea of success as old Bark got mad at me for coupling Frank with me. He said he was under no obligation to Frank but would do his best for me.

I ought not to tell you about that for fear you will bee looking for me at home. Now dont look for me. I want to supprise you some day. What vain thoughts. I will send you some money by Lewis, have $40.00 Write me all about our little affairs.

Your devoted husband   Newton.