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https://micivilwar.com/authors/gaylord-oliver-c/
Regiment: 3rd Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Hospital
Commerce Mis
March 13th 1862
My Dearest Wife
I am anxious about your
health since I got your letter
of Feb 19th which I got about
an hour alter I sent a
short one to you whether you
got it or not is a chance since
I was obliged to give it to a
stranger to get it mailed just
as we were on the point of starting
from St Louis I said that I
would write as soon as I got
to my destination but I was
considerably disappointed for
I had not got onto the boat
before I was taken sick with
Bilious fever with vomiting
and diarrhea for about 18
hours We landed at Commerce
a small place about 30 miles
north of Cairo in Missouri
the Regiment went on
down to New Madrid and
left me here in the Hospital
I feel well but am very
weak and shall gain strength
very slowly now probably
I have been here 12 days
March 16th
As there was no mail going
out untill the 17th I thought
I would rest a day or two
and write at the latest
date I feel really well only gain
strength slowly I cannot help
thinking of your health for
from what you wrote you
was in a bad situation for
having the Measles I wish
I could be at home now to
see you and assist you a
while but as I am I could
do but little for I have only
walked the length of the Hospital
and back two different times
since I came here The Hospital
is an unfinished Church
If I could get a furlough I
would come home but when
I get able to come home they
will think that I will soon
be able to join the Regiment
But I shall not undertake to
go with the Regiment again till
I get perfectly well. My
strength and a little flesh on
my bones to support me
Your last letter was a mixture
of good and bad news I was so
glad to hear that Mother and
Eva was getting well you must
be very careful of Eva and
not let her catch cold and
also to cure your own soon
as possible
You must not neglect
to pay Father
a something
occasionally for what he is
doing for us
What do you think of going
to York state as proposed
in that letter supposing it
to be a cordial Invitation
by my folks which I know
it will. Would you go. If
so I will write to them about
it There will be no small
children there We did not get
our pay last payday and dont
expect to get it till the first of
May Then we get 4 months pay
It is hard work to write so I will
close Write soon From Your
Loving Husband Oliver
Direct simply to me
at Commerce Missouri
