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Bangor Aug. 22. 1861

Dear Sir

I have just received a long letter from Doct. McRuer giving a sad account of the state of the 2nd Maine Regt. He says he has written you upon the subject. He has received his commission as Brigade Surgeon. In answer to your question I will say, though I have no desire to go to the war, if you think I can be useful to supply[?] vacancy during Doct. Allens’ absence I am willing to do all in my power to go as soon, and remain as long as may be desired. I know many of the Regiment. Some are members of families in which I have long practiced, so that I feel a peculiar interest in them. In perfect confidence I may say, that before Dr McRuer left here he seemed anxious that I should go as his assistant provided he should be so situated as to need an assistant, and I should probably have consented to that arrangement though should not desire to be in that position under any other Surgeon in the state but as I have before said I will go in any capacity where I can be most useful. Major Stetson and others strongly [?] me to go if needed. I have just seen