Washington City Sept 8^th 1862

 

            I came in town today dear wife upon some business of the brigade and have just dined with Ev. My camp is now only about four miles from the city so that I can come in to dinner very often. I have obtained permission to do this from Gen^l Sigel and also from Mr Secretary Stanton so that I do not fear the Provost Marshal when I walk the streets of the city. It is said that our corps is for the present to be left here for the defense of Washington City whilst those troops that have not of late been so actively engaged are marched off to meet the rebels who are said to have crossed the Potomac into Maryland. Here we do not have any news and really know very little of the operations of the army outside / of the fortifications. Gen^l M^cClellan has taken the command of all the forces in the field near the city & Gen^l Banks takes the command of the fortifications and all the troops left for the defense here. This at present places Sigels corps under the immediate command of Banks and will give us at least a few days rest. If you were only well I would have you come on immediately, as I could see you almost every day. I have received your mothers letter and one from Evy dated the 2^nd, and am rejoiced to hear that you and baby Louise were doing so well. How strange it seems to talk of a dear little baby in the house. I am very anxious to see her, and you also. Evy says she is very pretty & goes on at a great rate about her / I suppose you agree with her perfectly in regard to her beauties, and perhaps I will too when I can be permitted to see her. By the time you are quite well I am very sure I shall be able to either get home or have you come to me & rest assured that we shall not be separated one moment longer than is absolutely necessary. If M^cClellan should drive Jackson back we may be ordered to march forward with all of our forces, so as to press the enemy on all sides, but should Jackson beat us then all of our forces will be concentrated here for the complete defense of this place. How hard it is to tell what may be the result in a few days. Here at Ev's house all is military. The husbands of both Ev & Bell have been ordered off with the troops / under M^cClellan. They are both Colonels. Her two sons Hancock & John are both on duty, one with the army of M^cClellan & the other at Fortress Monroe, so that Col Taylor is the only man about the house. I have heard nothing today about officers at Cinti and I am very anxious to hear from them. I fear our troops may be too new to resist the attack from the veteran troops of the enemy, and that we may lack artillery. May Heaven preserve you all. Tell your mother that I will answer her letter very soon. I received today a letter from Eliza & also one from Jane. They both insist that I am wounded & I think I ought to come home to be nursed; but thank God I have been spared unhurt. Ev and all the family send love to you & the children. Give my love to your Ma and the children with loving kisses for darling wife & baby.                 

N. C. M^cLean

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