Letter Jun 15, 1864 Fortress Monroe, VA

Chesapeake Genl HospitalFortress Monroe VaJune 15th 1864My Dear parentsI received you kind letter of the 13th just today and was very glad to hear from you and glad to learn you are all well. I am feeling better now than I have in some time before. I think the salt water breeze had a pretty good effect on me. It is a very pleasant place here this summer quite cool to what it is a little inland. There is a large government farm here that furnishes us with all the fresh vegetables that is needed in the hospt. We have had given peas about three weeks which don't go against the constitution very bad. I guess not. I have given up all thoughts of getting north this summer. I am detailed here now in the dining room to wait on the table I have to work about 5 or 6 (?) hours each day and get pretty good grub which is the main thing with a soldier you know and am pretty well contented to pass three months here when my time will be out. I saw Ashbels name in the paper yesterday as being wounded also, two others from my Co. I heard there was but 15 men left of the Regt but I do not believe any such thing. I mailed a picture yesterday for you of Hampton Hospital and a few days since I have mailed a book and I will mail another with this. I have got the letter which you send me to New Haven. It came just in time for I was broke and out of tobacco and stamps and had to do my own washing. I will close this for I have got to write a letter to Billy Stilson (?) yet tonight. Give my respects to all that enquire and write soon.From your affectionate sonCharles D. Garlick