Transcription: Chaffins Bluff Va. Sept 1864 Dr. L.S. Joynes My Dear Sir: I promised my Steward this afternoon to write to you in regards to him. I might say in his behalf with all differences & respect.I do so now nay briefly. My Steward Mr. J. A. Williams a native of Portsmith Va, is desirous of attending the Lectures at the College this winter with a view of graduation next spring. He is in very limited circumstances having an aged mother to support, in addition to supporting himself on the pittance of 8 a month and I am afraid he can not raise the amount suffi cient to enable him to attend the lectures. He has made his arrangements to attend if he manages to get together the necessary funds. This I am fearful he will be unable to do. I pursuaded him to allow me to write to you and see if some favor as regard donation of [finaces?] etc, might not be extended him. I beg leave to state that he is (if any one is) in every way entitlted to this Kindness. He is a native of Va- has fought for us in the field and has served the Cause and Country well in his pres ent capacity. He is thoroughly devoted to his duty and is one of the best [?] in the Service He was a Steward (Surgeon's) in the United States Navy [served?] under Dr. C.H. Williamson aboard the Powhatan Frigate for 3 years. He has the highest testimonials of zealousness, and [capacity?] from every officer under whom he has served. He is gifted with a fine, observant mind which he has cultivated by close study (of medi cine) for nearly five years. He is almost [?] prepared in Practice- Mat[eria]. Med[ica] {and] Prac- tice [?], [?] being well versed in Anatomy other three branches. If he is fortunate e- nough as to be able to attend the College I am satisfied that he will be a useful ornament to our profession. Excuse the liberty I have taken in ad- dressing you this, but I was and am [?] with the [?] that you can [?] favor the prosecution of study in one who so earn- nestly desires to do well. I am Sir very truly Your obt. Stervant W[illia]m Mason Turner M.D. C.S.N Dr C R Goldsboro (C.S.N) can tell you both of my steward [?] I received the Catalogue and letter. Many thanks, sir, for them. Dr. W[illia]m Mason Turner As[sistan]t. Surgeon C.S.N. Drewry's Bluff Sept[ember]. 1864 Relating to his steward Mr. J. A. Williams