Oct 7th 1861 [Monday]. Washington, D.C.
Dear Father:
I wrote you a letter a few days ago but I haven’t received an answer to it. I concluded you did not get it.
I supposed you would be uneasy about me as you expected me to have to go to Missouri and as that is a very disagreeable place at present I thought probably you would think I’d been taken prisoner or killed but as good luck would have it, I didn’t have to go to Missouri.
When I came here I learned that the company [G, 10th US Infantry] that I belong to was in Utah and were about to be ordered in. So they put me on temp. duty under the Provost Marshall.
Captain Layton came out here [Washington, D. C.] the same day I did. He got his commission and orders (I suppose) and departed next day for Boston. He is in the 1st new Regiment [1st Battalion, 11th US Infantry].
When I came through Wilmington, [Delaware], I saw Nathaniel Heald and paid that bill.
I saw a balloon go up the other day. It took time and or broke a line and carried the owner up in it. It landed in Maryland somewhere.
I’ve seen Gen. Scott and the President since I’ve been here.
I am very well at present and hope this (if it reaches you) will find you all the same.
Your affectionate son, W. J. Fisher
Direct all letters to: Lt. W. J. Fisher, Head Quarters Battalion, 2nd Infantry, and I will get it but if you don’t put that handle to it, I can’t say that I will get it as there is another Fisher in the ranks. Write soon. WJF
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