Camp Butler Mar 2 1861.

 

Colⁿ Robinson

                       

Dear Colonel:

Your letter of the 31^st ult reached me this morning and the one written on the 27 reached me this evening. I assure you Colonel nothing would give me more pleasure than to have your Regiment attached to my command and to have it in such a way as would be perfectly satisfactory to you. I know, Colonel, that some of the Colonels would rank you but that will be the case in almost any Brigade that you may go into. It makes but little difference of which rank you are as you well know—you are a good soldier & have a fine Regiment & besides I that feel that I must have / some one to talk with when we are off duty. If you cannot do better I beg that you will come with us and I will do the best I can for you and yours. Thus far we have found but little to do here I hope that there is something in store good for us & have already communicated my views to Head Quarters and I suppose that they are now digesting them But we, as well as the balance of the Army are suffering from the rivalries in some of the Military and political circles in Washington. I hear that Gen^l Scott has been making an effort to supersede McClennan by Halleck who has never been under fire and in no way accounted a soldier what a pity Scott can't die He is now a positive incubus on all our operations 

 

            Our Artillery has exchanged a few shots with the rebel Batteries but with a river a mile and a half between what can we do that will tell. I have a fine command & we are litterally wasting our fragrance on the desert air

 

            If you can join us without too great a sacrifice, again, I say I beg that you will do so. Wⁱⁿ my power I will put you again along side of your old acquaintance the 2 N Hampshire Regiment.

                       

My best regards to your Officers & my best wishes for yourself

                                   

Truly Yours

Joseph Hooker

B^r. Gen^l.

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