[fragment]

Second Edition

I will use up the scraps of paper that I have in my portfolio first and keep the best for use when I get some of my odds & ends of thought worked up. I shall probably have enough paper left for an extra in almost every letter. this is all extra. I was speaking of the way some fellows got their discharges. I do not mean to make too much of a complaint about it for it may be that the best thing for Co. K was the discharging of Brigham. The best thing for Co. K and possibly the best thing for the Government: but after all a bad thing for the Government. Brigham may have been sick at times and deserving of some sympathy but he did not get it for the reason that he did "play it" at times. I shall not try to complain of this thing nor that. It dont pay. I shall be better satisfied with my military career if I seek to do only my duty. Do the best you can and hope for better days—This is the best way after all. Dont dwell upon the dark side of things. Nobody is made better or happier by so doing. I am somewhat interested in the so called "Peace Movements" of the day. I think that there is something in it. Their official capacity and the past political record of the Rebel Commissioners / under their mission more certain of being planned in good faith and of resulting in something better than stronger opposition to the authority of the National Government. They will surely miss their aim if they do not place before the Southern people the terms required, and if they do place these terms before them as they are the Soldiers of Jeff will not remain as contented as they are now I'm sure. They may say that this will be the result in our army if we do not accept their terms but I do not think the thing is so equally ballanced in this time of the Rebels extremity. The "Richmond Sentinel", Jeff's organ in its advice to the Virginia Legislature in its issue of Jan. 31^st says: "Virginia is threatened with the continued efforts of the enemy. His great armies are making a ring hung against us. Why engage in long debate over what you should offer or authorize your Government to offer to assist in defending you. You have implied confidence in Gen. Lee leader of the army of defense. He is a son of the Commonwealth you represent, why not in effect say to him whatever you can use call for or take. Take it by the cleanest method. [?] When their resources are so crippled that they can not get what they need to carry on the war without giving or taking everything as they find their need they are nearly or quite whipped

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