A letter to his family from Knight General Hospital in New Haven, CT. Laments the amount of office work he is responsible for, continued lack of payment, and the fact that he is shipping back out to the front soon.
Knight General Hospital
New Haven, Conn., August 7th 1863
Dear parents and Brother
I now take my pen in hand to write you a few lines. I am well for me and hope these lines will find you the same. I am getting along first rate here in the office but have considerable to do. I had to work till after dark tonight and it is now after ten o'clock that I take my pen in hand to write you these lines. Perhaps it will be the last that I shall write you from here. I am going to the regiment in a few days (We are not paid yet but expect it soon and then we leave for the front. I shall try to home before I go away if I do not you must not worry about me for I think that I have not been two years in the service for nothing. I shall try to keep my self for one short year. I think I can do it and then the army may whistle before they get me again. (I would not wonder)
I will send enclose in this a picture of Bill Sergeant with no arms.
Give my respects to all that enquire and please write soon.
From your affectionate son.
Chas. D. Garlick
P.S. Direct to Knight U.S.A. General Hospital
New Haven
Conn