Huttonsville March 18^th /62

 

            Last night dear wife I was again prevented from writing to you by visits from the officers. They staid until I politely informed them that it was bed time, so that my usual letter to you had to be postponed until this morning. Today is mail day both ways and unless I write before the mail arrives my letter will not go until Thursday.

 

As I wrote you our orders were countermanded and we are still here for an indefinite period. We may remain one day or a week or two, according to the views of Gen^l Rosecrans. There was a rumor yesterday in camp which came from Wheeling that Gen^l Milroy had been relieved from his command here, but who was to replace him was not stated. The board of officers to / examine the officers in this region is now in session at Beverly about twelve miles from here, with Gen^l Denver as the presiding officer. Another rumor yesterday stated that Gen^l Milroy was to take his place as president of the board. In a few moments I am going to Huttonsville to mail this letter, and I will call upon the General and ascertain the truth of the rumors. It is really singular what strange reports spread over a camp in a few moments. There seems to be no tracing any report to its source and yet everybody heard it from his neighbour. These rumors are always unreliable, and yet they create sometimes great excitement. I have no doubt you will be troubled in the same way with unfounded rumors in regard to the regiment. We had an instance of this the other day in a letter received by one of our men from Dayton. The writer stated that there / was a rumor that our regiment had been surrounded and taken prisoner, and were then on the march to Richmond. What do you think of that for a rumor. There was something exciting and startling in this that was worth listening to. You must be prepared for all such things as this, and make up your mind to believe only those things which come officially.

 

Tonight I expect to write you again and merely scratch off this note to let you have the last news by the latest mail. Give my love to the children and family including Nettie. Always give my love to Etta Mrs Johnson & your Aunt Nancy

Farewell dear wife with kisses which I only wish I could deliver in person, Dont you?

                                                                                               

N. C. M^cLean

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