Frederick Md
		Dec. 12. 1862 .

Dear Uncle .
		I intend leaving
here to morrow for Washington
and whilst there I wish if
possible to be ordered to one
of the hospitals in St Louis.
As Congressional influence goes
a great way most every where I
think that a word or a note
from a Senator or Representative
would accomplish my purpose
without much trouble for it
is a small matter to the Sec
retary of War or Surgeon Genl
whether I [phisic?] a hundred
men in  St Louis or Falmouth
and it is a great matter to
to me; hence my troubling you
with this . If you can ask a
favor of Senator Wright or any 
other friend of yours in Congress
you would oblige me much by
sending me a letter of introduction
stating my wish; it would not
put them to any trouble more
than a call upon the Surgeon
General or Secretary of War and
I have no doubt but that he
would grant their request with
out hesitation.  When I last heard 
from Washington all were well.
except my wife whose health
continues very poorly .
   Give my love to all enquiring
relatives and friends.  Please address
your letters to care of John at
Washington as I do not know
where they will order me
	Affectionately Yr Nephew
		James H. Peabody