Benjamin admits that he has not attended a sermon since he left Michigan, but he tells his mother he is comforted to know that she is constantly praying for him. Benjamin then explains that Augustus is in Douglas Hospital in Washington, D.C., after receiving a wound at the Battle of the Wilderness. He has not heard from those taken prisoner at that battle (DeWitt Spaulding was included among them). Additionally, Benjamin mentions that his regiment benefited from five wagon loads of supplies from the Sanitary and U.S. Christian Commissions. However, he claims the officers have more access to the goods (especially of the alcoholic variety) than do the privates.
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