(Digest, not full copy - MJM)
Post Hospital, Camp Randall, Madison, Wis. Aug. 30, 1863.
Dear Wife and Children:
Your kind letter of the 25th was gladly received. I am glad to hear that you are all in tolerable health. Since my last to you I have been badly afflicted with teeth ache. Yesterday I had a tooth extracted which the Dr. says has fractured the jaw bone. It also loosened another tooth next to the one drawn.
I hope I shall be permitted to come and see you some time next month, but what time, I can not tell, and may be disappointed in coming altogether, as I heard that the surgeon in charge said he would not give any passes next month. I am at last glad to inform you that I have been assigned to the Invalid Corps. There were some thirty sent from here to the Invalid Corps last week. I shall probably be sent from here to Milwaukee next month. There, I understand, the Invalid Corps are to be organized, and then sent to different parts of the state.
The war news continues good. The seige of Charleston, S. C. is still progressing slow but sure. Fort Sumpter, the place where the rebellion began, is laid low in the valley of humiliation, last night. Telegrams report that Fort Wagner is blowed up with powder and that our terrible and monstrous seige guns are throwing shells into the accursed and doomed City with most terrible effect... It was there the accursed rebellion began, and there I pray the God of Battles it may end.
Give my love to all, and be assured I shall come home as soon as I can.
Your affectionate Husband,
C. N. Mumford