1864 Boston, MA - Civil War Letter - Transporting Small Pox Vaccines GREAT FIND!

Description

CIVIL WAR LETTER
Historic Civil War Letter, 6th Massachusetts Infantry, Transporting Small Pox Vaccines
This historic Civil War letter was written by
John Fletcher Whitney
(1836-1905), an employ of the James R. Nichols & Company—a manufacturer of Standard and Special Chemicals located at 111 Milk Street in Boston, Massachusetts. John was the son of Daniel Bigelow Whitney (1802-1876) and Lucretia Fletcher (1802-1867) of Fort Covington, Franklin county, New York.
John enlisted early in the war and served three months in Co. E, 6th Massachusetts Infantry. We learn from this letter that he feared he would be drafted in 1864 but I don’t see any subsequent service record. The 6th Massachusetts was the regiment that gained notoriety as the first to suffer fatal casualties in action during the war when they were attacked attempting to pass through Baltimore on 19 April 1861.
He wrote the letter to
Dr. Orin (“Ora”) Farnsworth Paddock
(1796-1867), a druggist in Ft. Covington, Franklin county, New York. Dr. Paddock was the son of Stephen Paddock (1766-1849) and Millicent Farnsworth (1769-1845). He was married first to Sarah Williamson (1798-1929) and second to Sarah Goldsmith (1806-1915). Dr. Paddock was a graduate of the Castleton Medical College in 1818.
This letter accompanied a shipment of small pox vaccination sent from Boston by Whitney to Dr. Paddock per his request.
John F. Whitney was probably with the 6th Massachusetts when they were attacked by Rebel sympathizers in Baltimore as they attempted to pass through the city on 19 April 1861.
Transcription
Addressed to O. F. Paddock, M. D., Fort Covington, Franklin county, New York
Boston, [Massachusetts]
May 11th 1864
Dr. O. F. Paddock,
You will please find enclosed ten quills of the virus, or vaccinating matter, which I got of the city physician today. I received your letter Saturday night and went immediately to the city physician (where I was directed to go) but did not find him until today. The doctor said that this was reliable, as being good matter, and that it was perfectly safe. It is the best place that I could get it. It costs two dollars for a scab, or one dollar for ten quills—which this cost. This is the best and most reliable to be sent by mail.
I was truly glad to receive your letter and have this privilege of accommodating you when you have done so much for me. I hope you will find the enclosed parcel all right, as I have no doubt but that you will—and perfectly satisfactory.
Remember me especially too Mrs. Paddock, George, and all friends. Also uncle Arad. I want he should be kept in remembrance of me as well as my dear parents and sister. I know not how soon I may see those familiar faces & places again. Not at present, if I pass through the draft safely. The order is to commence drafting tomorrow. If I should find my name drafted—as I have reason to expect it—I shall try to go to Washington and join the Signal Corps. Perhaps may go home first but do not know.
I suppose you get the daily news of the war. What noble blood has been made to flow and give up its possession of life to the sacrifice of that will of wrong which has wished to triumph over right. But such things are permitted to be and take place. We know not why, but hope for some wises purpose. “On to Richmond!” Tis glorious—but we hope such glory will not have to be purchased by wading through such depth of blood much longer.
I would like to write you a long letter but the hour admonishes me that I must close. I heard of your sickness and was sorry of your illness but do not such things remind us that it is a mortal casket which holds an immortal soul that must live in eternity in happiness or misery?
Yours in haste, — J. F. Whitney
I hope to hear from you soon. 248 Washington Street.
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