Washington City Sept 6^th /62

 

            I have just received your despatch darling wife announcing the birth of our daughter, and it has made me very happy to know that you are safely through. Kiss our little one for her father, and call her Louise after her darling mother, and my prayer is that she may grow up to be just such a woman in every respect. I have made every effort possible to be with you, and have been made very unhappy by my want of success. I waited in town today to get a reply to my despatch, and I shall go out to camp with a lighter heart than I have had for many a day. You must remember your former troubles and now in my absence be doubly / careful of your self. I rely upon your mother for every care of you, and tell her for me that she must not let you move from your bed too soon. Remember dear wife that a few days of patience will enable you to regain your strength very much sooner than if you venture out before you are really able. You cannot tell what a load has been taken from my heart by your despatch. You are safe in this God has been very merciful to us and I believe he will continue to preserve both of us for future happiness together. As I wrote you this morning Mr Stanton has promised me leave of absence as soon as this present emergency is over, and I will come the first moment I am permitted. If we are detained near Washington for the winter I must have you here with me, so darling wife be con- / tented in your bed, until you are perfectly well. You have now something that will keep you occupied, when I am away, but I shall also be with you as soon as possible.

 

            I enclose you a check on New York for $700— which will relieve you from all difficulty in the way of money. I drew my pay up to August 31^st and it amounted to $874.36. I have $174.36 to pay up my mess account & for future expenses, until next payday. I shall not for the present attempt to buy me another horse, but will use the horse I picked up upon the field of battle until I can find his owner. It will take about one hundred dollars to pay up my old mess account, and purchase my holsters & valise which I lost at the battle so that I will have the rest to go upon which I think will be ample. The draft will have to be / endorsed by you just as I have written your name on the back, and then it can probably be sold for a small premium.

 

            The troops are moving forward in large numbers, but I begin to think our Army Corps will be allowed some rest near Washington to recruit. I shall write you upon every occasion there is an opportunity of sending a letter and you must write me two or three times yourself every day to say simply that you and baby are well. Mind I positively forbid you to write me long letters until all danger of fever has gone by. I am just off for camp, so good bye with love to your mother Lindy & the children including darling little baby and her mama. A special kiss for little Louise from her papa.    N. C. M^cLean

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