The letter was composed by Luther Hurd (1842-1881), who served as a clerk in Boston in 1864 before volunteering for duty in Company B of the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (100 days 1864). This regiment was established to garrison federal forts that had previously been occupied by Heavy Artillery units, which were redeployed to the front lines in Virginia to engage in infantry combat. The regiment commenced its service in July and was returned home on 6 November 1864.

From Luther’s letter to his sister Addie, it is evident that he has been diligently serving as a nurse in the post hospital throughout his tenure with the 5th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia. Rather than returning home with his fellow militia members, he consented to the solemn request of his gravely ill captain, John Norton Coffin (1825-1891) from Somerville, Massachusetts, to remain and provide care until his recovery. Capt. Coffin, married to Dorcas Jane Powers (1831-1898), was the father of two children living in November 1864, the time at which this correspondence was written. Prior to his service in the Volunteer Militia of 1864, Coffin held the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the 8th Independent Battery Massachusetts Light Artillery. Capt. Coffin ultimately recovered from his illness, living until 1891, when he passed away at the age of 66 and was laid to rest in his birthplace, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Transcription

Post Hospital
Fort Marshall, Baltimore [Md.]
November 5th 1864

My dear sister,

I presume you have been looking for a letter from me for a long time, expecting no doubt to read of my returning home shortly. Well her it is. My regiment leaves for home tomorrow but I cannot be one of the number. I must remain behind. What would you say if I told you that I have reenlisted for a year. Oh! now you need not feel so blue. I have not done any such thing. I will tell you why I am detained.

My captain is lying very low with a fever and I am under the necessity of remaining behind to take care of him as there are no others who are willing to stop with him. Of course I would gladly go home with the boys but it is my duty to remain here. Someone must stay you know. It would be wrong to have them all desert him in this time of need. I shall feel bad when I see the boys all going home and so happy. I tell you, it will be rather hard. But then, what is the use if sighing. It may be all for the best. This is your big word, is it not? I am left to do as I choose about it.

Poor fellow. He looked at me so wishfully this afternoon that I could not say no. Said he now, “Hurd, do stay with me.You will not repent it. I will reward you.” If I can be of any service to him, why I am willing to stay and do what I can for him. Have I not acted right? Now I have decided, I must content myself.

His wife and brother-in-law reached here tonight but the gentleman will return home tomorrow. He had telegraphed to him in Boston but did not let his wife know of it for she was in delicate health. So of course she came rather unexpected. The meeting was a little affecting.

Yesterday and last night he was very sick. Did not think that he would live; but he is now decidedly better. Mrs. Coffin has just retired and I am sitting up with him. He is resting extremely well tonight. All is still and quiet around as death except the low breathing and an occasional sigh from yonder bed. But listen, the slumber awakens and I must step to the bedside. He has had another attack of pain that lasted a few moments. He is now comparatively easy. It is now past midnight and I will awaken the other watch.

Morning has arrived—cold and cheerless. the captain remains about the same. No changes has taken place during the night. Think he is easier if anything.

My regiment goes today I expect. Wish I could go with them. I must put on all courage. Addie, I cannot tell when I shall leave; just as soon as he is able to be moved we shall go. Perhaps in a week if nothing new takes place. Meantime I will do all I can for him. You must not look for me until I come. I received a present of an elegant book by one of my patients and a very pretty finger ring by another.

I have got the highest esteem of all the boys. Very frequently I see letters written by the wives of some of the boys. They all speak about that, saying “I am so glad you have such a good nurse to wait on you in the hospital.” I don’t know what the boys have written concerning me.

I must close. Do you not think I have decided right in staying? Love to all. Write soon. Direct as directed above. Your true brother, — Luther

Should we leave immediately, I will let you know.