“He said if a man was married and could show a good excuse such as sickness or death he might get a furlough”

Camp Convalescent Alexandria VA

[Saturday,] June 20, 1863

Dear Clarinda,

I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all the same. We are now in tents but in the same Camp. There was about 7 thousand convalescents came here this week and we had to put up tents. They are not as good as barracks but the sick is looked to before prisoners, as they should be of course. Quite a number of our Regt. came here, also on the sick list.

I was talking with a man here last night and he said if a man was married and could show a good excuse such as sickness or death he might get a furlough. Oh, Dear Clara, I want to come so bad. I listen for every word anybody says about getting furloughs. It seems as if I cannot give up coming any way.

I have seen our new uniform, it is the most curious looking rig you ever saw. When you write again tell me if our folks got a letter from me. I sent them one and have never received no answer. And where is Julia now? You don’t write anything about her.

I suppose the army is having quite a hard time of it just now. I see in the papers they are falling down all along the road most dead for water and such dreadful hot weather. I pity them from the bottom of my heart, for we can’t keep the water from running off of us here in the shade and doing nothing whatever. Last night we had some rain.

Dear Clara, take good care of yourself and Children and may God protect you. Excuse this short letter for paper.

From your husband, with great love.

Sergt. Peter L. Dumont

Write soon.