Camp Suffolk va
  	     May 6th /63

Mr Thomas
     Dear Sir
	      Your letter
inquiring about your
son is just received. I
would have let you know
of his condition before but
left it to Capt Looomis
who I believe has written.
     Amos was sick when 
he reached camp and 
was brought to the regi-
mental hospital the
next day _ as soon as
the appearance of the

eruption decided the
nature of his disease
I was obliged to have
him removed to the
Smallpox Hospital to
prevent contagion.  This
building is about three
miles out of town in a
pleasant and healthful
[illegible in original] and he is skilfully
and carefully attended to
there. The disease proved 
to be much worse since
than we had anticipated
and three days ago the
physician in attendance
almost despaired of his
recovery _ I was out to see
him day before yesterday
and found him better and
I learned from the doctor
yesterday that he was still

     improving _ The Col has
been quite ill today and 
I have not left camp _
I will visit him tomorrow
if possible _ he expresseed
great anxiety to hear from
you and will be cheered
by news from home.
You could do nothing
for him, if here, that is not
already being done _ Write
to him frequently thro' me
and [illegible in original] read the [illegible in original]
[illegible in original] to him myself if pos-
sible, or at any rae – take
care that it is done _
You may rest assured
that he will receive the
very best care that circum-
stances will admit of,
not only in the present in-
stance but at any other

time when it may be
his lot to be sick or
wounded
		Yr truly
		    Geo. C. Harlan
		     Surgeon
		11th Va. Cav