Camp McNeal
Sept 26^th 1862

Dear Kate
      As I have been running around this city for two days past,
I thought I would write a few lines and let you know what I see. We went to
the patent office that is now one vast hospital. You have no idea how many
sick and wounded soldiers there is around here. Every publick building,
churches and all, are converted in to hospitals.

I saw some things in the patent office that was interesting to me.
Among them was the printing press that Franklin worked on in England, the
Sword that Washington wore through the revolution. Also his vest and braces
he wore at the time he gave up his comission at Anapolis, his chares, camp
equipage, medicine chest, tents and allmost every thing that was connected
with time in revolution.

I tell you they was interesting to me. I took more pleashure in looking at them than I did
at the patents that throunged the shelves all around. There was presents from most all
the eastern sovounings to some of the presidents. They were nice things. They were army robes,
saddles and every thing you can think of. Then there were shells and torpedoes taken from the rebels,
in fact there is nothing you can think of but what you can find in the pattent office.

I had my picture taken yesterday and I shall send to you. If Laura wants it
when you get them I would like to have you leave it with her . The other is
larger. I sent that home for mother. If she is willing you and her can trade.
I would like to have you have the one that suits you the best. I presume she
will not be very particular about it. If she is, let her have the one I sent
her.

I stopt just now to sign the payrool. I don’t know when we shall get it but
expect it before long. I tell you it takes considerable money to buy fruit
when apples cost three for five cts.

I went over to the Capital buildings but could not get into there as they
were all used for hospitals. I am glad they try and do as much as they do
for the soldiers. I saw a wounded rebel yesterday. He said the men were
tired of the war but could not get out of it. He said their men looked
terible hard. They did not have enough to eat or not much to wear. He said
their army did not look much like ours. My sheet is full and I must close.
Write as often as I do and you will oblige       A. L. Harvey.

Your old man is all right now days.