This two page letter written in nice dark ink has a wonderful “May 7th” 1861 cancelation with “Gainesville, Ala.” cancelling a 3 cent Washington stamp.  The cover and letter is written to our writer’s brother in Mobile, Alabama.  The letter is written by John W. Barret, who in the letter states that he has just been appointed Surgeon of the “Home Guards”. 

#CG171AL - Price $195

Transcription:
                                                                                                                                Gainesville, May 6th, 1864

Dear Brother,

            Yours of the 3rd came to hand yesterday and I intended answering last night, but was
called out on patrol.  I am glad you consulted Dr. K again.  I was very anxious to hear what
would be the result of another examination and after taking such violent exercise was the
best time for him to do so as it enables one to distinguish abnormal sounds of the heart all the
 better, should they exist, and his having failed to discover any before such exercise gives me
more hope of the affection not being so bad, after all, the prescription he gave you I like very
much and (one part at least) is a good substitute for the digitalis, and should it affect you, as
I told you the digitalis might (viz Prostrate) the same means (stimulants) must be used to
overcome it.  And to each does a liberal quantity of water should be added say half tumbler
full.  You do not say whether he directed you to take it so!  But I have taken & given enough
of the iod. Potass. to know much depends on its being sufficiently diluted.  And I also know
physicians very often do not think to give that essential part of advice in its administration. 
You should take great pains to avoid all excitement & mental or physical exertion and
therefore should make haste to get off from Mobile.  Nor should you allow your mind to dwell
on your disease or any trouble.  Because it is a heart disease by no means does it infer that
it is fatal.  On the contrary, persons very often live to a good old age & die of some other
affection and as to being troubled about money matters, why, if people give away to that
now, all would be trouble.  I never hear or know of anybody having any money these times,
and if anyone should be known to have any about here he would be looked on with great
 suspicion and I reckon would soon find himself up before our “vigilance committee” which
by the by is very vigilant now a strong force (8) out every night.  The Negro who was taken
 up here on suspicion of being chief of insurrection is still in jail; the evidence not having
been strong enough to convict him.  It is not believed now there was anything of the sort on
hand. 

            The volunteer co. is still in camp awaiting orders; they expected them today, and
seemed very much disappointed at not rec’g them.  It is indeed a fine company.  My company,
 “Home Guards”, has honored me with the appointment of Surgeon.  Sister Caroline sends
much love & says she wants to see you dreadfully.  She will not be able to go up to Kemper’s
before I do – next Monday – & we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you there.  With love to
all I am as ever your affect.

       Brother,

J. W. Barret