1864 CIVIL WAR Soldier Letter - HAMMOND GENERAL HOSPITAL Point Lookout MD Great!

Description

Civil War soldier's letter, 2 pgs., approx. 7-3/4" x 9-3/4", dated at Hammond General Hospital, Aug. 7th, 1864, from A. E. Killmer, to his cousin, Miss Carrie Deppen, at Myerstown, Pa.
Great content from this soldier who had been a patient at Hammond General Hospital (in Point of Rocks, Maryland, on Chesapeake Bay), after surviving a 20 months campaign which nearly killed him, and has recently been detailed to work as a clerk in the hospita, which he is glad of, as he believes he will die if he is returned to the front.
Of special interest is his account of a tornado which struck the hospital and destroyed two wards, carrying much of them into the Bay
.
Includes:
"Dear Cousin Carrie,
Your letter came to hand some time ago, and would have been answered long before this time had I time to do so. I have been of late very busily engaged in my new base of operations. On the 1st of this month, I have been detailed to assume a little clerkship in the Head Quarters Office of this Hospital. I have enjoyed it so far with pleasure and satisfaction, though I know not how much better I may like it in the future, probably not at all, and perhaps much better. I am, however, aware of the fact that it is much better for me than the rough and rugged duties out front would be for me. I believe if I ever am sent to the front again, it will be the winding up of my soldiering and even life itself. It is true I have made may way through a twenty months campaign, (I might almost say), without serious troubles of my old disease, though I suffered much more with the palpitation than was actually ever accustomed to before I entered the service; particularly upon long marches. On our long and much fatiguing march to Richmond last Spring, I learned that to extinct life with me, there was no surer way than to continue a little longer in front. So I reported myself to my Officers and Regimental Doctor, who very liberally granted me a pass to the Corps H.Q. Ambulance, and from there I was sent on to this Hospital. As long as I have privilege to remain quiet it will answer very well for me. But the moment I am mounted on horseback again, the same disease will become worse than ever before. I know not what disposition Reinhold may entertain in reference to this, but be it what it may, I expect I am at least on the right side of the Capt., though Reinhold is now in command until Capt. Tice returns....
No doubt you will soon read in the daily papers of a great potent tornado which passed over this Hospital this morning. It destroyed two Wards literally from the foundation, and carried a good bit of the ruins into the Bay. There was fortunately no person in the War when it came on the spot, and so no person got injured except a few outsiders, who are citizens of Virginia....
With these remarks, I subscribe myself with many wishes to bless your lips with a thousand dear kisses and for your future welfare &c.,
Your Cousin,
A.E. Killmer
To Miss C. Deppen, Myerstown, Lebanon Co., Pa."
Fine.
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