Head Quarters 2^d R.I. Vols.

Before Fredericksburgh, Va.

May 28^th 1863.

 

My dear Col.

                        Right glad was I last night to see your old familiar hand writing & gladder still to see you [faded] when I looked into the letter. I wrote to Mrs Hunter direct in relation to the subject matter of Seymour's note to you. Seems to me they have let their doubts rest for a long time if they had any doubts as to any of his effects. You speak of your forbearance towards Sisson a year ago. I was a good deal surprised at the time & thought you foolish for bolstering him when it was so well known to the rest of us. The secret was well kept by the 2^d Battalion for had it leaked out it would have ruined him with Sprague. But [torn] glad the fellow had another chance for I hate to see a man ruined unless it accomplishes / some great good. I think you would be better off in an infantry Reg^t because you would get better chances to go into the close knocks & I think that is a better aim for a brave man to distinguish himself. You may remember I used to like Infantry fighting & Infantry Reg^ts & that is why I liked it provided the pluck is [faded]. I am entirely satisfied with my position & Reg^t & after I get a little more age [faded] I can fix the rest, though I must say I am not over ambitious. Sprague was at Hooker's Head Quarters a week or ten days since & I saw him. He seemed much pleased with the 2^d &c at Salem Heights. Sam Sanford who was with him told me afterwards to go in for a star. I was over at Gen^l Wheaton's a day or two since & he said by fall or winter I ought to go in & he would help me. I mention these things Colonel [torn] to show you how all in this Army think of nothing but rank. If I should ever stand any chance I should be willing & cheerful to defer to you for I / believe you the worthiest to be frank with you. Still I dont stand any chance for a star for a long time yet if ever. I should be a good deal disgusted to hear of Sisson's promotion, for I think now he is higher than his merits deserve. I tell you Colonel he will come his James Island actions over again sooner or later as sure as fate. How glorious the news from Vicksburgh is! Seems to me all the armies ought to be shoved north [faded] we cant keep the ball rolling. My wife's crazy again to come to camp, but as you are not here to shake my resolution I am inexorable. I never was in a place so utterly desolated & made barren as this portion of Virginia is. It is sad for the eye to rest on. I dont wonder at your dolorous strains, for I must say I think Hunter the merest apology for a General I ever heard of. But Colonel you must keep [torn] spirits up, for sooner or later you will have a hand in things since Charleston will have to be attacked in earnest / sometime. I want to see you a Gen^l with Gorton on your Staff as A.A.G. & Brayton Colonel. That would be according to my idea of things. Six Companies of my Reg^t are now off on a three days tour of picket so I am in camp very quiet. Oh it is splendid weather to operate now. Would we could move again. By the way who did Van Knoning sell my little horse to when he resigned? I take quite an interest in the little fellow. My wife writes that she did herself the pleasure to call on Mrs Metcalf not long since. I understand you are Chief of Artillery now, is it true? Write me what you hear of Mrs Stickney if anything. Has Stickney taken to drink? Nota Bene! This question in the profoundest secrecy. One of my Ass^t. Surgeons, Jones, is in trouble [torn] been before a Board of Examiners as [torn]mpetency. Remember me to all inquiring friends.

                                                           

Yours very truly          H Rogers Jun

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