Lexington Ky. Oct 25^th 1863

           

My Dear Sister

                                    Don't think because I have not written for several weeks that I am forgetting you by any means oh no that will not occur this year nor next I hope. Since I went home, I have done very little writing, indeed I think this is the second or third letter I have written. You know how one enjoys oneself at home after being away awhile we don't feel much like writing—anyhow I do not. was very sorry I could not visit you and Sue but my time was so short it seemed as though I hadn't more than got ready to visit when was obliged / to return.

 

I suppose the folks at home have given you an account of the doings while I was at home. Well I enjoyed myself just all the time, and people really seemed glad to see me. Also saw cousin Sarah Melvin who is teaching at Rev. Daniel Tenneys. Took the 4 o'clock train for Providence, arrived at 6, in season for the Newport boat which I took and landed at Portsmouth Grove where found Ed, anxiously awaiting me. Stopped with Ed until Saturday morn having a fine time. Went back to Providence and took the 12 o'clock train for Albany which place we reached at 10.40 P.M. There found Wilson Palmer who treated me like / a brother (and why shouldn't he?).

 

            Spent Sunday and Monday with Palmer. Monday Evening went to a lecture by John B. Gough on "Eloquence and Orators" the theme was one capable of bringing out all his powers. I do believe Gough can stir a person up more than any other orator in the U.S., he made his audience cry, laugh and almost dance. Well you know him and suffice it to say this was one of his best efforts. After the lecture we took the 10.40 train for Buffalo, were delayed about 5 hours on the way by an accident. So we stopped about 10 hours to see Buffalo. During this evening (Oct 20) Gen Siegel came in and the Buffaloes gave him a tremendous reception. What a big thing it is to be a General isn't it? to have cannon fired, rockets shot off and everybody hurrahing! for a fellow 

 

But I will not spin out this letter with an account of my trip I suppose it was like that of a hundred others. Got to Cincinnati safe, sound and tired Wednesday night. Thursday I found Mr. Moore and any quantity of other friends, with whom I run Cincinnati for 24 hours. Friday, found Dick Folsom and spent most of the day with him. Friday night Gough came into town and spoke on Temperance of course We went to hear him Oh it was good, good, good. After talking over his subject, he tools up the war and such a scathing as he gives the Copperheads I never heard equaled. why he did not leave them a place as large as a rat hole to crawl out of. Have you any Copperheads in Niles? I think they are the most contemptible apology for an American Citizen that this land ever produced. the name of coward, thief, robber, murderer is an angelic name compared to it and if there could be a hell hotter than the one we read of I believe they would go to it. If I was ordered to suppress a copperhead riot I should do as we do with these Guerillas now take no prisoners

 

Having got enough of Cincinnati we (another Officer and self) came down here / Arrived here yesterday. Lexington is a beautiful place and like all Kentucky towns inside the "blue grass region" contains a great many wealthy people a particular friend of mine who spent last winter here says the society here is equal to any in the world and I must say I have been greatly surprised to find such intellectual refined people in even small towns the Kentucky ladies in particular are noted for their beauty and vivacity Nearly every house in this country has its piano All the ladies know how to sing, play and dance, but there is one thing they don't know that is how to work their slaves do every thing, almost anticipate their wishes and the slaves are better cared for than our Irish by far. However I do enjoy the society of these ladies for they are refined and intelligent. it is a real treat / for me to go to their parties—and the people here to are so thoroughly loyal. Now I know it must be a great sacrifice for those loyal men to give up their slaves but they do it almost every day nearly ten thousand are already employed by Government on this rail road. if any body asks you what we are doing in Kentucky tell them, that's what we are doing building a rail road of 200 miles (which we are going to finish before next summer) twenty five miles of which will be through mountains accomplished only by tunneling.

 

Guerillas continue to harass this poor state. Never were peoples patriotism subjected to greater trial than here Again the rebs are reported only 20 miles from here. last Wednesday they entered the house of a Union Officer a major who was wounded at Chickamauga and resting at home, for a few days—took him a mile from his house shot him then putting on his uniform they terrified his poor wife and children. such men ought to have their hearts torn out with a rusty nail

 

            But must close and write to many others whom I owe letters Write often—you certainly ought to send me two for one seeing you have so much

 

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time—

 

 

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Give my love to Edwin and all the rest especially Lydia By the way has she not received my last letter she is very silent.

 

With much love—

 

I am your very aff. Brother

Charles

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