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Regiment: 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Fort McHenry
Saturday Sept 6th 1862
Dear Father as you probably learned
by my letter to Horace last week I
am in the convalescent hospital at
Fort McHenry 2 miles from but in sight
of the City of Baltimore.
It is a good place for a hospital of
this sort. The tents in which we are
quartered are pitched at the waters edge
It is a pleasant place a breeze is
constantly blowing off the Bay
We have poor fare worse than I ever had for
any length of time in the regiment.
We are promised it shall be better next week
The care I received the first few days was
poor but I am now in the hospital tent
where we have better beds and have nurses
I have nothing to do + nothing to read. the
days are too warm to be out much + I am in
the tent most of the time. I had much
rather be with the Regt than here I would
try to go immediately if affairs were more
settled. Should I go while troops are moving
as now. I am sure I would be sent to a
hospital again. So I must stay I do
not know how long.
There are now about 1,100 men in the “Cripple
Brigade” as it is called. 148 have been
discharge + sent home since I have been
here. about 50 have been sent to their regts.
+ we have received 345 recruits from
the hospitals about Washington.
We are commanded by a sergeant and
everything is conducted as near as can be the same as
a Regt in camp. Your letter of the 26
th
I received Thursday. I received one from Luther
this morning. North Star has done well in
sending so many men to the defense of our
country What induced W.A. to enlist?
Has he too been disappointed in love?
I had much rather know that he enlisted
from patriotic motives. of course I here
you say Susan + Horace are married
I should think they would have informed
me of it themselves before this.
I heard they were married some time
since by a letter writen to M. Morehouse
I then knew it was false. but I expected
it would hapen in time from letters received
from Susan + others. I am glad + yet I am
sorry. Glad that there is such a difference in
their ages. I am glad that Horace is still
a relative as much as ever. How I wish he
was younger or Susan older. But I must
not say much for one of my best friends in
Baltimore is an old maid + who knows but
I will write to Horace next week
The brave Gen Kearny is dead what a loss to
our army. Our army has lost everything it has gained
in Va in one year + the rebellion is stronger than ever
The fault has not been with the soldiers. There is
some excitement in the city as it is supposed to be the
intention of the enemy to invade Maryland. Several secesh
got badly beaten yesterday for expressing their joy at the success
of the rebel arms. No more at present
Your Affectionate Son
John Franklin E. Franklin
