I write to let you know that I arrived here in safety in time to save my being reported as deserter. I stopped in Boston from half past one until half past eight eve, but did not see Cousin Mary, as she was over to Winthrop [i.e., Winthrop, Massachusetts] I did not see Charley Hooker or George. they were down east some where.
I came much of the way with Byron Hill. We stopped together at the Metropolitan Hotel, Washington night before last. I found things at the Hospital very much as I left them. There are a few more here and among them some that have fits so it is more musical. Most of the boys went home to vote. I am glad to say that the cold that made me so cross the morning I left has not been severe at all. It is so warm here seems as if I might have finished setting out my trees.

I am going to see about Stinchfields body in a little while if nothing happens.
It is a wet nasty day here but we have things very comfortable indeed.
The grub seems worse to me than it did before. perhaps my living at home may have something to do with it. I feel content now to go where and when they say. I have felt, since I can remember that if I could kiss my dear mother and sisters and feel that they forgave all my waywardness I could almost die content. God, in His infinite mercy has granted me that privilege and now if I live to Him I have nothing to fear, I love to feel that He will not allow me to die until my mansion is prepared I look upon the time I spent as a happy season though I felt in so much of a hurry all the time. It dont seem as if I was absent from the hospital more than three days Hoping soon to hear from you all I remain

your aff. son
John

It is only a little past noon but the day has already seemed as long as half my furlough. In fact my furlough seems like a dream

I found two letters from home, one from Charley Goodwin [i.e., Charles H. Goodwin, Co. D, 32nd Maine Infantry] and a speech by S. Perham waiting for me