Washington June 17^th/61

 

I have just received your letter dear wife. I had begun to feel that the mail would never reach this beleaguered city. How much I wish you were with us. Everything would be new to you and I know you would enjoy it. As yet Sat has seen nothing. Today she starts on a sightseeing expedition and will visit the capitol and all places of interest. Tonight Ev intends taking her to the Presidents on a social visit. Yesterday Colⁿ Taylor with little Zack and myself took a long trip on horseback through the various camps on the Virginia side. We / took the boat with our horses as far as Alexandria, and then mounted to visit the troops who are stationed for active service from Alexandria up to and beyond Washington. We passed the house where your Ellsworth was shot. The house is now filled with troops. Our ride was delightful, and the whole country seems to be filled with troops. They are all eager for the fight, and upon the least alarm the men turn out with cheers as if going to some gay entertainment. Whilst we were on Arlington Heights yesterday afternoon an alarm came, which although false yet cause great commotion for a time / Men were turned out ready for battle in an inconceivably short time, and it was really beautiful to see how joyfully every movement was made. Colⁿ Hunter, who led the 69^th N.Y. regiment told me this morning that his men marched with such cheers as he never heard before, and were much disappointed when they had to march back to their camp without having seen any service. This town seems to be very quiet although full of soldiers.

 

            Ev is hurrying me so that I must close my letter, as I have an engagement to go to the Presidents with Colⁿ Taylor. We are all well I hope to start in a day or two / I am writing in a room full of company, and I fear my letter will be anything but agreeable. It will at all events show you dear wife that I always think of you wherever I am.

 

Good bye with love to all & kisses for baby & dear little wife. Your loving husband

N. C. M^cLean

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