Feby 13th 1863 

Ever Loved Aunt, 

Todays mail brought me a kind and valued letter from you and I feel very thankful and grateful to know that you are in good health. I had looked anxiously for a letter from you before but seemingly of no avail and the last letter I received from Sarah Trimble, I understood from her that you were not well. I am not as well myself as I have been previous to my being injured. A number of days ago I believe it was 22 (January 22, 1863) days ago today that it stormed and I retired to bed at night feeling well and hearty and went to sleep in a very few minutes but I had not slept long before the wind blew a large pine tree (which had been partly chopped during the day by some one) down and it struck my head, breast and arms and tore open my back and knocked me entirely out of senses. I was taken to the Hospital by my comrades and the Doctor tells me that I threw up six quarts of blood and lay without speaking a word for 12 days or coming to my senses. The Doctor also tells me that my being possessed of a strong constitution alone accounts for my life being saved.

I cannot but feel that I have much to be thankful for and I feel great affection and gratitude to that kind over ruling and divine providence of God who has ever kept me as in the hollow of his hand and preserved me from danger. Often, very often, my fellow soldiers have been shot by my side and torn in pieces and killed while I have been preserved. I have often thought that few could fight for their country with a more heart felt devotion than myself because the hand of our Almighty has ever upheld me in all my endeavors to do right through dangers of many kinds. Few have been blessed with better health and had such kindness bestowed upon them as myself.

I am now in pretty good health and the Doctor says I will be well soon.

The weather has been beautiful and clear here for a long time past. we have had but little snow or cold days here this winter.

It rains here a little tonight but I think it will clear off soon. I was very glad to hear in your letter that Uncle Reuben is well this winter. If you succeed in hiring Cousin Samuel Woods for next Summer I think you will be very much pleased with him for he is a good worker and likes to work on a farm but I should think that his mother would want him at home now for his Father would want to come home but he is sick and has been ever since he enlisted.

I had a letter from Uncle Riendeau but he did not mention that one of their children was dead. he said Aunt Lucy was sick with the Small Pox but thought she would be well soon. Please excuse this letter. Give my love to all who are kind enough to enquire.

Please accept my good wishes and true esteem while I remain as ever your true and loving Nephew, 

Alfred C. Woods 

P.S. Please write me as soon as convenient I will address this letter to Uncle Reuben 

A. C. W. 

Letters of Alfred Covell Woods. 

Contributed by J. Tierney