Rufus Goes To The Hospital Never To Return

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015

A sad pair of war-date Union soldier's letters, totaling 6pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Rufus Robbins, [DOD, Philadelphia, January 7, 1863] Co. K, 7th Mass. Vols. Rufus became ill while helping guard the wagon train described in his August 24, 1862 we are offering here. Unfortunately for him his story ended when he was sent to the hospital and died in the care of loving strangers. The first letter reads, in part: "…[Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., Nov. 17, 1862]…I find myself here very unexpectedly through the kindness of the doctor and some other friends which I had in my Regt…I left camp early Sunday morning…taking cars at Warrington…came through by way of Manassas Junction, Fairfax and Alexandria. Arrived here yesterday…I had a hard time of it…I am not worse than I have been except the fatigue of he journey…direct…to Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., say nothing of Comp. or Regt…Rufus." .... The second letter, reads, in part: "…[West Philadelphia, U. S. General Hospital, Ward N, Dec. 19, 1862]…I left the hospital at Washington on…the 17th…yesterday my diarrhea was pretty bad…I am not any stronger yet but my appetite is a little better today. I have already seen enough of this place…it is a thousand times better than the place I left. Here a man in every stage of sickness can and will have everything that [a] heart can wish. Everything is kept as clean and neat…the doctor will fix my diet tomorrow…the nurse gave me a pint of milk. I drank that and eat nothing but turnip…this is the largest hospital in the city…I have got a better bed in this hospital. A very nice one…direct your letters USA General Hospital, Ward N, West Philadelphia…Rufus…". The original stamped transmittal cover for the Dec. 19th letter is included. Overall VG

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