Head Quarters 2^nd Brigade 1^st Div

Camp at Sperryville July 18^th 1862

 

            We are still resting quietly at this camp dear wife, in spite of the address of Gen^l Pope to his army. How you read it & what do you think of it? Here there seems to be but one opinion of its merits among all the officers who have expressed their opinion to me. We are all disappointed at so bombastic and unmilitary a production. If Gen^l Pope is to be judged of by his address, we who are under his command are in a most unfortunate position. I am glad to say however that his address and his acts contradict each other, for at this very moment he is fortifying several strong points within his command thus preparing for defense should his army be compelled to fall back. He has not yet made his appearance here although from his orders we have expected either to see him personally or hear of him by / an order to advance. Perhaps the orders may yet come today. I hope not however for it is about as bad a day to move in as I have ever seen. The rain commenced falling yesterday afternoon and has continued at intervals ever since. This morning the wind has changed to the northeast and seems to chill one to the very bones, so that overcoats are not atall disagreeable. We had intended to have a grand review this morning by Gen^l Sigel of our division, but the rain has stopped all such things, and those of us that can, sit shivering in our tents wishing for the fair weather, even with all the heat which the sun brings. Yesterday was quite a gala day with us in camp. In the morning there was a grand review & what might be called battle drill of Gen^l Schurz division by Gen^l Sigel. The troops maneuvered very well and it was a beautiful sight to see them rapidly changing their positions to meet the supposed approach / of enemies from first one quarter and then another. After this performance was finished we had at Gen^l Schenck's headquarters a flag raising. I brought out my brigade under arms and when the flag reached the top of the pole and unfurled to the breeze by my command the music played, the soldiers presented arms, and the artillery thundered forth a national salute. The cheers of the men it would have done you good to hear. Gen^l Sigel addressed the troops in a short speech, and then came more cheers. I replied to his remarks in part of & for the brigade & then more cheers. Gen^l Schenck was called upon and made a very beautiful little speech, then Gen^l Schurz & then Gen^l Milroy & Col Lee. Each speaker was cheered lustily by the troops. To wind up the whole I made a second little speech to my men to which they responded with right good will & they were then dismissed to their quarters and so ended / the flag raising. All, both soldiers and officers had a right good time, and the day will be remembered by us all as one of the bright ones in this expedition.

 

We have no mail for some days and I feel very anxious to hear from you. It seems as if we were not considered of sufficient importance to furnish us with a proper arrangement for the mail. Why this is so I cannot tell. We send a mail to headquarters regularly, and it ought to be forwarded but whether it is or not I cannot say. I see by the late paper that Col Morgan is making demonstrations upon Lexington and various other places in Kentucky. It seems very strange to me that the people cannot take care of such a force as he is said to have with him. Perhaps the state needs to feel more severely than she has yet done the curse of this rebellion in order to bring out the force of the people for their own protection. I hope it may have this effect. As yet I have heard nothing from Washington, and as the Senate has probably by this time adjourned my chances for promotion are gone. Love to Lindy & the children with warmest love to darling wife.   N. C. M^cLean

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