Head Quarters 2^nd Brigade 1^st Div

Camp at Sperryville July 21^st 1862.

 

            I wrote you dear wife by Capt De Beck on last night, but as the son of Major Riley is going with him I will also write a few lines by him. He has just told me that he will start in a few moments for home, and I assure you it makes me envy him not a little. The time however is slipping away, and soon I hope once more to see you and all the dear ones at home. As the time approaches I begin to realize more perfectly the difficulty there exists in obtaining leave of absence. I have daily applications from both officers and men for leave to go home. Two officers who have both tendered their resignations have just left me. They were very anxious to go home and await there the answer to their resignations, but the rule adopted / forbids their going, and they must wait the slow action of the War Department. In my case I intend to make direct application to Mr Stanton time enough before the middle of August to get a reply by that time. Unless the circumstances under which we are then placed should prove to be very peculiar I think my application will be successful, for I have a good record, and the length of my services in the field without leave entitles me to some favor. Rest assured that I will leave no effort unmade to accomplish my purpose, and that nothing but an over ruling necessity will prevent my seeing you at home next month.

 

            Today has been a gala day for this army. Gen^l Schencks division was turned out for battle drill and we formed at seven oclock & kept it up until near twelve. It was really a grand sight to see / so many troops moving with such regularity and in such order and agility in changing their positions from one side to the other whenever our commanding General chose to imagine the enemy approaching. Gen^l Schenck you know commands two brigades, and they both together number about five thousand men of all arms. He maneuvered very much to our own satisfaction and was complimented by Gen^l Sigel. Since the review he seems to feel very confident of victory with such troops. Jimmy Riley has come for his letter. He cannot wait but is going at once so I must break off. Love to Lindy & all the children & kisses for darling wife which I expect soon to give in person

                                                                                               

Your loving husband

N. C. M^cLean

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