You may conceive that something heavier than Eagles was upon my shoulders for that severe campaign.

 

            After the battle of Fredericksburg the gallant behavior of the regiment completely subdued the feud between it, and the other regiments and at the same time welded the various material of its Companies into one homogenous whole. Our comrades in the brigade declared that whoever said ought against the 32^d made a personal difficulty in the brigade and a most true sentiment at our Christmas dinner ("companionship in battle, the nearest relationship by blood") declared the termination of our internal conflicts.

 

            I believed and think now that I left the regiment to fall to my successor in good discipline and condition and a much easier command than it had been to me. I can not separate myself from it now. its reputation is dear to me—its success will be my joy—its disaster my sorrow.

 

 I have the honor to be

 

Very truly Yours         Fran^s J. Parker.

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