Transcription: Chaffins Farm V[irgini]a July 24th 1864 Dr. L. S. Joynes Sir, I wrote to you last year in regard to attending the Medical College last winter. I was unfortunate enough to be captured while in Penn[sylvania] and was not exchanged in time for the Session. Will you be so kind as to inform me how students connected with the army are relieved from their commands. I have known several to graduate at your college since the war commenced. I would like to get the appointment of Hosp[ital] Steward in one of the Hospitals in Richmond where I would have the permission to attend the lectures. I can give good recommendations from army Surgeons from my perceptor in Salisbury N[orth] C[arolina]and from my regimental commander as to good conduct, sobriety [et]c I have permission from my Surgeon, Commanding Officer of Reg[imen]t and Brigade to spend the winter in Richmond, if I can only get the proper authority from higher offices. I tried through the official channels two years ago, but the paper was returned before reaching Gen[eral] Lee. My Surgeon made application for appointment, as Hosp[ital]Steward, by the "Sec[retary] of war" a short time ago, but it has not yet been heard from. I have been a Medical Student nearly four years and am very anxious to finish the course. Very respectfully E[dgar] N. Mcauley Wilcox DivisionHills CorpsA[rmy of] N[orthern VA [Addressed:] Address, 7th McSanes Brigade, [Endorsement:] E.N. McAuley 7th N.C. Reg[imen]t Chaffin's Farm- July 21/[18]64 Asking how students in the army are relieved from their commands