Dear Brother [1]X
This letter dates to September 1862. Hannah uses similar paper in a letter to Mother Whitman dated September 21, 1862 by Richard Maurice Bucke: on that letter the date "21 1862" is in Bucke's handwriting; "from sister Han," written on the back of page 2 of this letter, is in Bucke's handwriting. Hannah's concerns about George are evident in both letters; probably Hannah wrote both letters on the same day, and may have enclosed her letter to her brother in the letter to Mother Whitman. Both letters have the same number of crease marks on them, indicating that they may have been placed in the same envelope. Her letter to Walt, however, does not have the jagged edge that her letter to Mother Whitman possesses; it appears that Hannah may have cut the edge off the letter to Walt. — Is George [2]X
George Washington Whitman (1829–1901), the seventh child of Walter and Louisa Whitman, and ten years younger than Walt. George learned to read and write as a pupil under his older brother Walt (who briefly served as a schoolteacher in Long Island), and worked as a carpenter prior to his military service during the Civil War. safe, Will you telegraph to me immediately if you have any good news. I would telegraph home, I think I am well enough to get out I saw a name in the paper last night at first I — — afterwards I see it was a different company and I hope a different division. Georges company is company D [3]X
George initially enlisted in the Thirteenth New York State Militia soon after Fort Sumter in the spring of 1861 and was sent to Washington D.C. When his three month enlistment was over, he reenlisted, this time with the Fifty-First New York Volunteers in the fall of 1861, Company D, as Hannah notes. Hannah's concern is justified: George's regiment was involved in the Second Battle of Bull Run (August 28–30), the Battle of Chantilly (September 1), the Battle of South Mountain (September 14–15), and Antietam (September 17). this was B. and Kings division. I have a hope, I am almost sure — because the Reg't was not mentioned, — I shall wait anxiously untill I can hear, I feel quite sure this morning, it was no one belonging to me. You must forgive me for troubleing you when I know you at home all feel just as anxious I feel for you but I think perhaps you have heard good news by this time, perhaps I am anxious needlessly I have no doubt I am, — perhaps brother George has written to Mother by this time, and you will almost vexed at me for feeling so, but I am alone, have been some sick, but I am not so weak, as you think, I can bear a good deal I shall be hopeful and cheerful; I feel George is safe, I expect dear brother you will think me easily agitated or frightened do not let me trouble you. Give my love to dear Mother, I wish I could see her I shall soon, my love to you,

dear brother telegraph to me at once