Willards Hotel           

October 5^th 1862

 

My Dear Father.

                                    I left Henry this morning at Laurel, and find myself again in my room at this miserable Hotel. I left here last evening by the 5 o'clock train and was obliged to go to Annapolis Junction, to come back in a train that stopped at Laurel. Two miles from the Junction we run over a horse & rider, and both were supposed to be killed. I mentioned the incident to Col. Hathaway afterwards, and found he was the rider and that his horse was dreadfully cut up. But Henry told me he intended to write to you today, and will be sure to give you information in detail of affairs about himself & Laurel, so I will not go further than to say, that I found Henry well, and working hard, and Laurel Station in about the same place it used to be. Col. Arden placed my papers in the hands of the Adjutant General of Gen'l Birney with directions to endorse an explanation upon them, and return them immediately to Headquarters. I have been awaiting here the return of these documents. Yesterday afternoon as I sat in the Writing Room down / stairs, conversing with our Quartermaster, Gen'l Birney entered and seated himself near by. I went towards him, prepared to receive a cold or formal reception, and equally determined to reciprocate with corresponding "hauteur". To my surprise he at once extended his hand, and gave me a very warm recognition, remarking that he was "glad to see me". He said in reply to a question that Gen'l Kearney placed me under arrest and much against his protestation, that he did not know the reason of Kearney's action, but supposed it was because of the bad conduct of the Reg'm't at Alexandria; that at that place Kearney asked him who commanded the First, and he replied that I did, whereupon he said 'Its a disgrace' or something of that nature. Birney said also that the day before he had received my complaint from Headquarters (as related above) and had returned it. I asked him what he had written on it? he said "That Lt. Col. Pierson was placed under arrest by the orders of Gen'l Kearney, and he did not know for what; that no charges had been preferred, and that he had none to prefer" So my dear Father, the mountain has at last brought / forth a mouse, and a very little one at that. Released from command, arrested, captured, paroled, dirty, starved and lousy, and for the time disgraced too, I at last turn up again, and with a very saffron hue demand from the author of these petty troubles, the reasons of his conduct. With a very smiling face, he condescendingly informs me "That he dont know" or any other man I mentally infer. Gen'l Birney informed me that Dyckman was under armed arrest, and would be tried by Court Martial, and Commission both, and also advised me to join the Reg'm't. I expect to do the last to-morrow, as my presence seems desired by Officers (those who possess clean consciences, and some self-respect) and men, and may be of good in other matters. I do not feel much like going to work just now, but perhaps would feel still less so by & by. I think I am better however in color. I send by mail &c a few papers that I wish you would have put in my room or kept for me—they are my commissions &c and are valuable. I bought a fine black horse to day for $175. I shall probably give him to Henry, and buy another for myself. 

 

I hope to get Ned & Solomon off this week. Your short note, relative to the acct. of mine, I have read, but the reply was anticipated in a letter I wrote you last Thursday.

 

Major Sprague should send a copy duly certified, of my original order to Recruits. Please address him a line asking for it. Do not deduct anything from the acct. or permit the Disbursing Officer to do so. I am unable to collect my pay or claim here, and forced to buy some clothes &c so that I shall draw a dft. for $75. for my own use, and one for $175. to pay for horse. Give my Love to all.

                                                                                   

Your's Aff.

Fred.

 

1862

Oct 5

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