Richmond County GaArchives Military Records.....Ganahl, Joseph July 26, 1862
Civilwar - Letters Confederate surgeon not yet assigned
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Elizabeth Kane bethkane@yahoo.com July 4, 2009, 6:49 pm

Letter To Hattie Ganahl
Camp near Richmond
July 26th 1862



My own Dearest Hattie –

After a long interval, I received today (just as I was leaving Richmond this of your
letting me nine days ago and the last four days old. It is my posting this and to
know all the time that the letters are here lying in Richmond. In regard to your
coming on without Mary – I would not think of it for in that case you would be
separated both from husband and child. If I were stationed in Richmond where I would
be with you, it would be pleasant enough for you – but if you come on, recollect
that under the most favorable circumstances, I can only see you once or twice a
week, and then only for a few hours at a time. Matters are very strict here now (as
they ought to be) and no officer goes to the city without a pass from the Major
General. During the long intervals of my absence, you would be very miserable in a
strange city with no friends or acquaintances and your husband would take poor
comfort and satisfaction in separating you from your child and giving you no
equivalent in his own society. If you feel able to take it, come on. But not without
a good nurse, and not if Mary and yourself are not quite well – But without a good
nurse – able, strong, healthy and faithful – to make the journey would only prevail
upon you a care and responsibility which you would not be equal to, and result I
consequences – As to Richmond being unhealthy, I do not believe anything of the kind
– The climate is certainly superior to Augusta, the days are hot, but the nights
cool and pleasant. Mrs. Winn also has plenty of milk on her table, which I am told
is selling next door to her for 25 cts per quart –

[Note: the following is in pencil]

Sunday Morning, July 27th 1862

I had written this far last night in the tent of Capt. Brown of the  [illegible]
artillery, when I was interrupted by supper after which I came over to my own
[illegible] (i.e. a [illegible] captured and after a day on the field fell down to
sleep. I have just finished breakfast and am about off to see the Medical Director
of the division, but sit down to finish my letter to my wife.

In regard to your coming on my dearest, If your health is not good, and your
situation shows any symptoms of such a character as to indicate physical [?] let us
give it up. The disappointment will be bitter to me and as hard as to you – but to
let you come on here with one child barely weaned and suffering the burthen of
another in expectancy is to incur irresponsibility, which it is just as well to
avoid. Something might happen for which we would blame ourselves – or your health or
that of little Mary or of the little one who has yet to see light might pay the
forfeit. Therefore my Darling, know that if you are not in first rate health, I
think the experiment of your coming on hazardous to say the least of it – and I
cannot find it in my heart the selfishness to urge you on, (for I want to see you
Oh! How much) when we might have to pay so dearly for the pleasure of meeting. At
the same time if your health is good, and you can endure the fatigues of the
journey, including delays, dirt, crowded cars, insufficient and improper food for
little Mary, Take the responsibility. Come on =

As to taking a house for the next year, as you think it would be more economical to
board, we will give the little house on Reynolds St.  and not engage another – Let
Mother know that such is my determination – I want you however my Darling to feel
perfectly independent during my absence, and to act according to the dictates of
your own judgment.

If you conclude not to come to Richmond, do not allow yourself to be uneasy and
unhappy – It will not make me happy to know that you are sitting at home. And so
injurious do I consider this frame of mind, that if you cannot keep from it, I think
it advisable that you come on at all hazard. The responsibilities and cares of the
trip and sojourn will not be worse for you than remaining at home a prey to anxiety
– which will not do you the [illegible] because [illegible]

A large number of the surgeons have been ordered from the fields to the hospital, of
which I am only one instance.

Much obliged for the shirts you are making – Do not want colored collars – My [?Draw
grs] will do. Hope Camilla is well – Do bring her up with you (if you come)
[granted] her health is entirely restored – Better get another nurse. Give my love
to your Mother    Annie and Sallie – Little Grey. I hope he continues better.

My [illegible] is not made up yet. Major Garneth proposes to join me with Lieut.
Hamilton to make it up and on the first of the month – until then I will take my
meals around at the different batteries where I am received politely and hospitably.
I have no medicines as yet – will get them very soon and go to work –

			Good Bye Your Affect. husband.

				Jos. Ganahl

 


Additional Comments:
Joseph Ganahl served as a surgeon during the war but later served as an attorney in
Richmond, Georgia

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