Concert Hall Hospital
Ward No. 8 2nd Division
Montgomery, Alabama

October 18, 1864

Mrs. Martha M. McKnight

I again write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and doing as well as could be expected under the present circumstances.

I have nothing to write you that is interesting at the present time. I have been looking for a letter from you every day for a week but have not received none since the 7th of this mo. which was dated October the first and I am getting very anxious to hear from you again. I am fearful that something has happened among you or I should have received letters from someone of you in this time you surely have not become so indolent as not to take the trouble to write me a few lines at least twice a month. I shall continue to watch the mail daily for a while till it comes.

There was one poor old man died in my ward last might he died very happy he said he was going home at last and told us all good by and passed away into the spirit land. If I could only know that I could die as well satisfied as this man did I would almost wish the time to come but it is a natural consequence for mankind to hold on to his life as long as possible but it seems as if the pleasures of this world is passed away and gone forever but we can only hope for a better time in our latter days. It is hard in deed to stand by the bed of a dying soldier and hear him speak of the Loved ones at home when he is far away, perhaps has not heard from them for a long time yet it may be as the old gray haired Sire said to us when about to leave this world, said he " I have not heard from home in a long time but I may meet some of my people in the other world when I get there and I shall go in a few hours."

James W. Lett is here with me and also one of the widow Shipp's sons from Dudleyville. Tell sis that her cousin Joseph Bibby from Coosa is here. He is not very sick. He can go about but looks very pale and is quite weak. I have a plenty to do to keep me going all the time. We have sixty patients in our ward and only four nurses and one matron to wait on the ward. You may reasonably suppose that I have but little time to rest. I do not know how long I shall stay here but I will have to stay till the Dr. discharges me and orders me to my command. I think I shall come by home when I start to Virginia. It is rumored in the streets today that Hood has captured Dalton and Resacca with a great number of prisoners but I put no confidence in the report.

I have wrote you several letters since I left home and have only received one in answer. Write soon.

I remain as Ever yours
CPC McKnight