Transcription: P. and E. P. Hospital Cahaba Ala[bama] Oct 20th 1864 Dr. L[evin] S[mith] Joynes: D[ea]r Sir On the 8th of last month I made applicaiton to the Surg[eon]: Gen[era]l for a transfer to Richmond and prowarded it, with the aproval of the Surgeon with whom I am serving to the Medical Director; who has since infromed me that he approved and forwarded it to the Surgeon General. I have heard nothing from it although it has had ample time to have reach- ed them and been returned. What is the matter? Have you concluded not to deliver lecutes this winter? Or has the Surg[eon]: Gen[era]l decided not to grant any transfers? If nothing of the kind is the matter please see the Surgeon General in my behalf, and do your utmost for me and I will ever re- main under many obligations. I have studied hard for the last two years in order to prepare my- self throughly for attending lectures this winter and I earnestly hope that I will not be disappointed. The last of the little wealth that I possessed has just been distoryed by the yank- ees in North Miss[issippi]; And I will have to fall back on my own individual exertions for a support after the war. I have shed my blood on more than one battle field in defense of the liberties we all in common hold dear, and I think is nothing more than jsutice to me, if compatible with the good of the service, that this favor be granted. Be so kind as to let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Very Respectfully your obedient Serv[an]t W[ilson] A[lexander] Hurt Hospital Ste[ward] [Endorsement:] W.A. Hurt Hosp[ital] St[eward] Cahaba Ala[bama] Enquiring into the fate of his application for transfer