Holograph, signed.

Augustus Hesse is satisfied that everything was done for him in his effort to obtain a furlough to come home for a short stay. Dr. Brown received the letter from Mr. Humphrey. But Augustus Hesse now knows that it will be impossible for him to go home. Hesse says: "I shall have to go out into Virginia and visit the Rebels with fire and sword to please Onkel [Uncle] Sam--- ..." He was told that an application for a furlough would do no good, as "there are blanks." Augustus Hesse complains: "...they take Comfort in their Hospital, they do not know how a man feels who has been over a year in the front---into Virginia Camp life---they take no interest in the matter--- ..." On page three of this manuscript, Hesse has copied the text of his letter to Governor Andrew requesting a furlough. Hesse comments to Deborah Weston: "Now you see that I have done everything to get home---but as a soldier who must obey have been disappointed." Hesse is glad that Almira's sister, Joanna, is visiting; he suggests that his wife, Almira, goes with Joanna to stay a spell with their parents.