Washington, D.C. May 25^th '65.

 

My Dear Mother:

                        One year ago to-day I wrote to you from an obscure little town in the Northern portion of Alabama. The Army of Gen. Sherman was then slowly but steadily fighting its way toward the Gator City of the South, opposed by a large rebel force under an able General. Grant was struggling with but limited success against the hosts of Lee. To-day behold those rebel armies annihilated, the authority of the Government re-established, and the mighty hosts of freemen gathered around the National Capitol like children around their mother. Our brightest anticipations of success have been more than matched. We have toiled long and faithfully, have endured hardships and dangers of no common kind, have marched and fought with steady, unfaltering purpose, often have we suffered with heat and cold, hunger and thirst; often have we / been well nigh exhausted with fatigue. We have borne it cheerfully, without murmuring, but sometimes wondering "Do our friends at home appreciate what we are doing?" If sometimes we were in doubt whether to answer that question affirmatively the greeting which we have received here will settle it all now. All words fail to describe the enthusiastic manner of reception that has been extended to us by thousands upon thousands of our fellow citizens gathered from far and near to witness our passage through the Nation's city. It was a grand sight to see that almost endless line of bronzed veterans, marching with firm steady step, their battle torn, weather beaten colors fluttering in the breeze, their uniforms soiled with the marks of recent hard service, their bayonets glistening in the bright sunlight, while for square after square thousands upon thousands of eager, bright faces beamed upon us with with smiling admiration, and flags and mottoes and emblems were everywhere dis- / played. On Tuesday the Army of the Potomac was reviewed. I had no opportunity to witness the parade, but I am told by those who saw the review of both armies, that our army carried off the palm. We looked rougher than the Potomac Army in consequence of hard service, but in the physical appearance of the men and in their military evolutions we excelled. The enthusiastic reception extended to us and to our beloved Sherman was very gratifying indeed, showing as it did that that unlimited abuse heaped by many of the newspapers upon our noble commander had not poisoned the minds of the people against him or us, and that his great services and those of his army were not yet forgotten. The good fame of Sherman is very dear to his army, and although the agreement entered into between Johnson and him is in some respects open to censure, yet we cannot but look with intense indignation upon the clamor and outcry raised against him, a short time ago. 

 

            This morning I took a ramble through a portion of the city, visiting the Capitol, the Post Office Department, the Patent Office and the unfinished Washington monument. I have neither time nor space to describe what I saw. I can only say that I had before but a feeble conception of the grandeur and extent of the Capitol and other public buildings, especially the Patent Office, and that more than ever my heart swells with pride when I seen the evidences of our Nation's greatness. "I am a Roman citizen" was once thought to be an expression of honor by no means small. But to be a Roman citizen was an insignificant thing compared with the honors and benefits that American citizenship carries with it.

 

            Now that the grand review is over we are all asking "What is to be done with us?" We are in a blissful state of uncertainty. We are gradually settling down into the conviction however that the veterans will not be immediately discharged but will be sent home on furlough. Now that the war is over I am very anxious to return to civil life, but if the Government sees fit to hold us we must submit, of course. Camp life is unutterably tedious, and I hope some disposal of us will speedily be made. It is probable however that we will remain here for 10 or 12 days yet at the least.

 

            If you write soon you may direct another letter to me at Washington. My health is excellent, and my appetite much better than my rations. I hope ere many more days, however, to be where I can have a both greater amount and variety of food.

                                               

Your aff. Son,

SOURCES