December 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th
Have received a kind letter from
Mr. James M. Coulter, of
Baltimore, stating that he inclosed ($5) five dollars, and generously offering to send anything else I might need.
The letter had been opened and money abstracted before it was handed me. I am very grateful to
Mr. Coulter, and as I need the money very much, went to
Major Brady, the
Provost Marshall, and made complaint.
He said he knew nothing of the letter, as it was sent to “care
Dr. A. Heger,
Surgeon of Hospital.”
I went to the surgeon's office, showed him the letter, told him that the money had been taken out, and asked him to see it was turned over to me. He replied that there was no money in it when received, and declined to investigate the matter further.
I am convinced the money did come and was stolen.
Language is too poor to adequately describe the mean, petty rascality of a man so low and depraved as to rob a poor, destitute, powerless prisoner, and of so small an amount, great and important however to so very needy a person.
Major Hanvey and
Lieutenant Arrington had money stolen in the same way. We have no redress, and must submit to the unpunished and unrebuked robbery.
Some of the officers entertain us by singing;
Lieutenant Morgan of the First North Carolina troops is leader, and his favorite songs are
The Vacant Chair and
All quiet along the Potomac to-night. 
