Store Oct. 29^th 1861

 

Dear Ro^s:

                        Yours of the 27^th inst. came this morning and I hasten to reply. The field is now open, Cavalry is out of the way we can now come to something. Are you after a Commissaries berth in Neal Dow's Regt.? That would be a good berth. Do they have any assistants? if not I don't know as my case will be bettered much. I have made up my mind to go. I should like to see you in some better berth than a privates but if nothing better can be had we will go together in some good company. I have thought the matter all over and have come to the conclusion that we ought to go. It was hard for me to settle down to this but my mind is made up and if I have / my own way I shall probably go with you. I wish something to be decided upon as soon as possible. Find out what you are going to do and write me at the earliest date. I shall write to Mother in a day or two.

 

What is being done on the Potomac? I hope all is well there and if McLellan can have his way, have no fears of the end. All is at stake in a great battle at that point. if we are beaten its all up with us. Should we be victorious it would amount to but little unless we are in shape to push right on and not give the enemy a chance to rally their broken forces. Gen. M^cLellan knows what condition he is in and if the "old fogies" will let him alone will moove when the right time comes. To-night it is reported that Gen. Scott is about retiring from duty. He was good in his day but that has passed, a younger man will do better I think. It is also reported, / but not very definitely, that a treacherous secretary has absconded with paper and charts of the Naval Expedition, if true it's discouraging enough I won't believe it 'till I have to do so.

 

If I thought we should have lie about Washington till spring I don't know as I should be so ready to go. I hope they will do something soon, its trying to see things going on as they now appear to be going.

 

Is there not some other good young fellows in our town that would go with us, enough to make a little company of our own. I should like to have Frank go but his mother wouldn't give her consent.

 

All is quiet here at the store. They do not know that I have a thought of leaving and will not know it 'till I know for certainty that I shall go. I will see the expressman about those accounts this week. Let me hear from you soon                                    

Charles

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