Boston Nov 7^th 1861.

 

Dear Brother:

When you wrote me that you was going to join the Army, as an officer if you could if not as a private, I supposed you meant what you wrote and immediately made up my mind to go with you, went into the Mass. Rifle Club's rooms and began to prepare myself so as to be up with the best of you when I joined you. But I see I ate cold suppers &c for nothing. What was the reason that you did not enlist? I was smart enough to keep it to myself untill I could find out for certainty that we were going, no one knows that I thought of such a thing except Fred. I must say I was provoked / when I read your last letter. You now are no more fit for a Lieut. than a hen is. With a few months drill it would be different. You better heave up your Co. join some good regiment and I will prevail upon Mother to let me go with you. I don't wish to see the thing slump through in this shape. It would be much more pleasant to go as an officer than as a private but I never would accept of a commission unless I was posted better go into the ranks and fight ones way up. I haven't given up the idea of going yet, shall not buy that overcoat yet awhile. After racing about a few days, spending a little money &c. you will get sick of the business and conclude to go into the ranks where we ought to be.

 

"All quiet" continues to be the report from the Potomac Army. wish they were ready to moove but M^cLellan knows his business, rather trust him / than the newspapers. It's too bad that Fremont has such hard luck, without doubt he is incompetent to fill the position he tried to fill but he has had no Big Bethels, Bull Runs, or Balls Bluffs. Lexington was nothing of the kind Money was as plenty as water with him but the people would give more than $4 500 000 to wipe out our BB.

 

Tonight it is reported that the Naval Expedition has landed safely, where it is not stated. That storm did considerable damage about here, the water was quite deep in our cellar

 

Saturday I intend to go to Braintree have not been there for a long time several week before you was here was the last time I visited them. I have left 67 Summer St. am bord boarding at 5 Allaston Place. I have been there but a few days but thus far like much. I have quite a good room. About time to close the store. Let me hear from you soon. Shall write to Abbie in few days      Charles

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