Central Hospital, Camp A.
Near Frederick City, Md.
Dec. 29th, 1862

Mr. Editor: You probably have wondered why, I have not written before, for it has been a long time since I have spoken to you through your excellent paper. My excuse is, that hospital life, or the events that transpire in it, are so monotonous that it would not interest our friends at home, were I to write about them.

The past day or two has been very pleasant, and reminds me of the pleasant days of April, at home; and methinks while we are having perfectly dry weather, that you are having a good sleigh ride with snow a foot deep.

Our head surgeon has succeeded after so long a time, in building and finishing during the past week, suitable cook and dining rooms for the camp. You remember this camp was formed the first of October; so you can see that it takes almost three months to put up a building one hundred feet long and fifteen feet wide. The rations are delivered to us as usual, or as they were at the time of our last writing. Thanksgiving and Christmas were well enjoyed by the few comrades in my tent, no thanks however to the hospital department for it. No, sir; the kind friends at home took it into their hands to make sure work of it, and sent us baked chicken and pudding, “such as they know how to make,” and other eatables to numerous to mention. Many thanks for such favors.

Quite a number of the boys have gone to their Regiments. Corporal Cudworth of Company E was among the last lot that went a week ago. Friend J. C. Barlow of Southbridge is still here, gaining his health slowly. He thinks he will not be able to join his regiment before Spring. We have preaching in camp every week, although I am not allowed to go out of my tent to attend it yet. The Southbridge Journal is looked for and inquired after every week. If the friends at home knew how the boys desire to see and read it I think they would immediately subscribe for it (if they have not already done it) and send it to the boys in the army every week.

It is pleasant to know, that as wounded and sick soldiers, to know that we can find one true friend in the Senate halls in Washington, who is doing all he can for our amelioration. We recognize the shoemaker boy in the Senate Halls of Washington, who is doing all he can for our the amelioration we recognize the Hon. Henry Wilson. May he be successful in making the necessary alterations in the management of the hospitals, is our desire. My next letter will probably be from the Regiment.
SLATER GUARDS