Monterey April 20^th 1862

           

This is Sunday dear wife and I have wished myself with you over and over again. The day with me has been anything but a day of rest and worship. In my last letter I wrote you that I was president of a court martial by order of Gen^l Milroy. On yesterday I adjourned the over until today without a thought of its being sunday, and did not discover the fact until this morning. As soon as breakfast was over I called upon the General to know if he required the Court to proceed today. He replied that he did. That it was a matter of necessity to finish the business without the least delay, and that the court must continue its session. There was nothing left but to begin and, all day long I have been holding Court. It was contrary to my wishes but I can see that there does exist a real necessity in the case for dispatch, and / unless every moment is taken advantage of the whole affair may be entirely defeated by either a forward movement of our own, or our dear friends the rebels. There is very little sunday in camp. Occasionally we hear the sound of voices singing hymns, and that is about all. We do not drill, but guard mounting, scout and picket duty go on as usual. Today there has been constant rain, and everything is soaking wet. The mud is ankle deep, and altogether it has been a most gloomy day. I hope with you it has been different and that you have been able to enjoy your church services without drawback from the weather or any other source. By this time I hope our dear little Johny is entirely well. Our last mail it seems has been lost by the man who was bringing it on horseback, and as yet it has not been found. Whether we will ever get it is very doubtful. I am mistaken / the mail has been found, and I have just had a letter handed me from you. I have read your letter darling wife, and feel greatly relieved about Johny. I have felt all day almost a dread at the arrival of our mail lest it should contain bad news and now that your letter has been received I feel as if a mountain weight had been removed from me. The postage stamps were very welcome as there are none to be obtained in this region. When I need more I will write in time to get a supply. The paymaster as you say was indeed a welcome visitor to the whole regiment, but he has been gone so long that we are ready for him again. The government promise to pay every two months and if they do the first of May will be joy day again. For myself I am not particular although the money no doubt could be used by you and I together. Ere this I suppose / you must have received the thousand dollars which I sent you by Mr Fox. He started for Cinti on the 8^th of April and we heard of his safe arrival at the railroad, so that he no doubt reached home in due season. I directed him to express your money to Louisville and as twelve days have now passed you are no doubt in receipt of it ere this. We have had very little occasion to spend money as yet, for our stores last received are not yet exhausted. There is a good reason for this however, as the wagon which contained them did not keep up with our train. The horses gave out and we were compelled to send back horses from Crabbottom camp to bring it on. We received it after our arrival at this place. More troops are near us coming up so that our force will soon be large enough. Gen^l Schenck is reported today at Franklin, twenty four miles off. If this is true he will reach here Tuesday. Love to Sat the children & family and a thousand kisses and blessings upon the dearest wife that lives from husband

                                                                       

N. C. M^cLean  

SOURCES