Fort Monroe, Va.       

April 5^th 1865.

 

My Dear Chum,

                        I received the certificate two weeks ago today, and if I had not supposed, that beyond a doubt, I should have been in Lowell, last week, I should have immediately replied. The certificate shows me to be 34 years old, which advanced age I shall not reach for more than two years. If it does not invalidate the paper I don't care, but if it does I should like to have it remedied. I enclose herewith an order on the Prescott Bank, making payable to your order a dividend due there the 1^st of October last. You may retain the money for the present, as I may cost you several dollars more before I see you. I am exceedingly obliged to you for your kindness and promptness in attending to this business, and I am ready to believe that your good works will carry you to Heaven, if your other record should be something musty.

 

            I presume that you may have some curiosity to know why my plans for leaving here are so uncertain. I cannot give you a detailed explanation, / in the limits of a single letter, but will say this. Capt. Wilder, was specially detailed for duty here, by the Sec'y of War, Mr. Stanton, and was comparatively independent of Department Commanders. When General Ord relieved him by General Order No 26, and ordered him to the front he overstepped the bounds of his authority, as he could only relieve him, by preferring charges against him and sending him to the Secretary for trial. Of course the Captain was bound to obey the orders of his superior Gen'l Ord until the Secretary ordered otherwise, which he did, as soon as he was advised of the order. He suspended the order, and ordered Capt. Wilder to report to him. Mr. Stanton asked Ord for the reasons for his removal, and Ord made his statements which were not charges. The Captain was sent back here, and Ord told to make specific charges, or drop the matter. This state of affairs transpired two weeks ago. We have been waiting for something to turn up, ever since. What will be the result is a matter of some doubt, but the probabilities are, that as the Captain has demanded an investigation, that he will come to trial, and if so I can't get away for several weeks. I have led the hardest life for the past six weeks, that I ever experienced, the particulars of which are rich and racy. /

 

If I ever get to Massachusetts, I will have a respectable "loaf", before I do any more work for anybody.

 

I hope you will consider the circumstances, when you sum up my shortcomings as your correspondent. I have neglected everybody, in the epistolary way, and have been obliged to do it. I will write you as often as possible, but for the present can't indulge "at length". I am always glad to hear from you, and hope that you will overlook my deficiencies, and write me when you can. Remember me to Alice.

                                                           

Yours truly,

Selwyn E. Bickford

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