[Letter]: 1863-05-22 from Joseph to Mother

1863 May 22 from J. D. Richardson Com. E 10th N.J. Vol. Suffolk VA (Camp near Suffolk VA) to Mother re: received her letter of the 18th. His bowels are some better but he can’t get any medicine. Went to doctor who had nothing for his bad back except to advise bathing the back in cold water. He wants her to send some extract of ginger, Aunty’s linament and whiskey to strengthen him [Joseph] and kill the water. Direct shipment to Capt. G. W. Scott Com. E 10th N. J. Volunteers Suffolk, VA. His regiment has not yet got back from the march - one man out of Com. F was killed and one wounded, but have not had fighting since. He expects that they will have a big fight soon as the Gray backs are all around. He wrote to Dave [Anderson] on the 3rd and 10th of this month and yesterday the letters came back from the orderlies of his Comp. stating that he was taken prisoner on the 3rd and taken to Richmond. Closes letter saying that he does not feel like writing. Extend his love to all. From your boy J. D. Richardson Com. “E” 10th N.J. Voll Suffolk, Va. [envelope addressed to Sargt Joseph D. Richardson in care of Capt Scott Comp E, 10 Regt New Jersey Voll Washington D.C., red and green wreath of flowers surrounding “Give this wreath to the brave, Who their country would save.” in upper left corner, right edge torn]