Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Uptons Hill Sept 16^th 1862

 

            Another welcome letter from you dear wife tonight dated the 11^th ins^t. It was received by me with the greatest pleasure as it not only gave me news of your improving health, but it also showed dear wife how much happier you have become since the birth of our dear little daughter. I was certain you would feel this way but I am rejoiced to find that I was not mistaken. You are now cheerful under circumstances which would have made you very unhappy a few weeks ago. I hope that our baby may always prove a well spring of happiness to both of us. How much I wish to see her and give her a fathers welcome kiss. You must do this for me until we meet. I am very glad to find that you have so prudent a nurse, and hope that she will continue / her good care of you until you are entirely well and strong. How soon does she say you can travel? I am afraid neither you or I will be satisfied to wait long enough, but we must remember there is safety in a little delay, and much possible ill health & trouble in too great hurry in traveling. I hope your mother feels relieved in regard to the girls at Louisville and will remain with you yet for a good while. I rely much upon her prudent care of you.

 

I am glad to see by the papers that there does not seem to be much danger to Cincinnati at present. We have glowing accounts of the manner in which the people have turned out for the defense of the city. I trust that discipline will be introduced among the new recruits so as to make them reliable in this time of trial. I notice what you say in regard to the confusion which exists on the other side of the river, and regret very much to hear that it is so. Unless the troops are properly organized and under / control they will do no good, and cannot stand for a moment against the confederate forces. There are some old regiments there I believe and those will I hope set an example which will be beneficial to the new recruits. Our city guards & volunteers have I fear very little idea of proper military discipline, and it will at first come hard upon them, but the safety of the city demands that military rule should be strictly enforced. I have seen the names of the officers of a new regiment organized in the city, and some of them I know will not fancy such hardships as we have had to undergo in Virginia. They will not however be called upon to do the kind of service we have performed, for I suppose they will remain in or near the city & within reach of the express wagons & the markets. Soldiering in that way is very pleasant, and I hope that those regiments will not be called upon for any other kind. They have already driven off the enemy & my prayer is that he may keep far distant. 

 

Last night we received good news from Gen^l M^cClellan. He has met the enemy in Maryland and defeated them. This was glorious news, as we can believe M^cClellan. Today however we have heard bad news from Harpers Ferry. The rebels have probably succeeded in capturing the place and thus opened the way for the retreat of their army back into Virginia. As yet however the news is uncertain and contradictory, and we are waiting with great anxiety for further information. We today received orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments notice, and we have thought this meant to cut off the retreat of Jackson. It is impossible to tell however what the object is of the Commanding General, as we are entirely destitute of information upon the subject. For all our orders we may not leave here atall for many times we have been under such marching orders for a long time without moving. I am sorry to hear that the place looks so badly for I thought this year everything would be beautiful. Have you any fruit, & how much & what kind?

 

Love to your mother Lindy & the children with loving kisses for darling wife.

                                                                                                                       

N. C. M^cLean

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