An original Civil War letter that was written to J. C. Rogers.  Based on other papers that this came with, he appears to have been a Doctor for the military during the War.  This letter is dated 1865. In one area it looks like it says,.........Speaking of McClellan I think the wind is out of him somewhat before this Prof. Smith of Bellevue College was up here & told me U.S. Genl. Hospital Ft Monroe is........McClellan Commanding Hospital had sometime before been deposed on account of.........Where once was the......of life now desolation reigns. Where once was the voices of contrabands discoursing sweet music in the stilly night" or growling about corn bread Where once fleas & lice reveled on the......cuticle of the American Citizens of African descent or the sons of.....rebelled against the "authorities that be" Yea when once that glorious band......with instruments of brass played "Dixie" for those about to................................                             I think the contrabands mentioned in this letter were slaves that were freed.