Letters from Robert Allen, Company A 13th Ohio

I expect worse times, as we will then be on the march towards Chattanooga. I hope the advance will soon begin, as lying here will not end the war. I am for action although in action would please many. I am aware that dalays are dangerous, and, indeed, fatal in the present crisis. May the new commanders so consider them, and act accordingly!

We are all well, I might say. Occasionally we are troubled with diarrhae but it soon leaves the most of us, if we eat proper food. We get full rations, and every thing conspires to render us contented. We believe the war will be over by Spring. Oh! how I hope it will, that we may again return home, from which I hope we may never again be called to face our country's foes. We would rest in peace, to do, which, our country

must be at peace at home and abroad. I hope soon to receive see her thus.

At present there being no prospect of being paid, and I stand in need of some few trivial articles, I ask mother to send me some money. I wish about five dollars. Tell her to send me three dollars in postage currency, and two in a bill, or if she can send it all in postage currency, let her do it, for change is very scarce here. I have seen sheets of postage currency, and I think by going to the post office, and giving a five dollar bill, or five dollars, she can receive a sheet to that amount. I do not like to send home for money, as I know that mother needs all she has. But I stand in the utmost need of some things, and having no money with which to buy them, I must appeal to her as the only source from which I can

receive it.

Tell mother to send me the articles for which I wrote, as soon as possible, for I stand in need of boots and gloves, and could at times bear a vest. Tell her it is not necessary to send me a comfort, as I have bought one already. But boots and gloves I would have at any cost. If it were not for John Wertzbaugher, my hands would often suffrer with cold. He lends me his gloves when I go on duty, for which favor I can but thank him. It is a matter of wonder to me that you or mother did not see take the precaution to send me those needful articles with John. Do not wait for me to ask when you know I need any thing, but at the earliest opportunity send them to me. However, the articles for which I send being in my possession I can fare well, and will not trouble you for things if moment til next winter, if it is our misfortune to stay so long.

Nothing more at present but to ask you to give any best respect to your better half and others inquiring, as I now send mine to you. From

Your Brother

Robert Allen

Main Street Hospital, April 10, 1863

Mother: Your last letter, bearing date of the 5th inst., has been received, and I now proceed to answer it.

This pleasant day finds me yet an inmate of this hospital, but, judging from appearances, I hope soon to leave for my regiment. My wound is not quite healed yet, the place where the ball entered, having a scab, which occasionally gets rubbed off, and consequently, the wound being thus irritated, is kept sore. It is hard to keep bandages or cerate on the thigh, and in consequence of which, the sore is sometimes exposed to the drawers, which rub when I walk. By proper care I will soon be well, but until that time I suppose I will be obliged to remain here, as no chance to get a furlo-

ugh is yet apparent. Ickas will be likely to get John a furlough, if his case is as you declare. He has not been here yet.

All goes well here as usual. On the afternoon of nice days, we are all allowed to walk around town. Yesterday, Sam and I went down town, and had quite a walk. While on a certain street, a company of soldiers headed by a band, came marching down. They stepped off as though they thought it nice to soldier, which made me wonder how those same fellows would think, if down where real soldiering is played. D No doubt they would conclude it not so nice after all. I cannot say that I really hate soldiering, althoug I would freely choose some other employent, if a choice merely were to be made. I would not be a