P.S. I send you copies of the letters of Milroy

              & Sigel— N. C. M^cL

 

Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Centerville Sept 23^rd 1862

 

            We are again dear wife at Centerville but under rather different circumstances than before. We now have only one division consisting of two small brigades, and we have advanced towards where the enemy might be supposed to be. When last at this place we were retreating with a large army in a state of demoralization that was painful to behold. We are now encamped within about five or six miles of the battle ground of Bull Run. I feel very curious to go over the whole field again, and intend to do so if I get the opportunity. There does not seem to be any enemy but a small force of cavalry in the neighborhood. Jackson and Lee with the whole rebel force are probably on the other side of the blue ridge, and may not attempt to cross to this side as M^cClellan will no doubt push after / them very rapidly as soon as they leave the Potomac. At present so far as I can hear there seems to be a lull in all military matters around Washington. M^cClellan is on our side of the Potomac and the rebels on the other and so long as they continue to sit still and look at one another nothing will be done. Our division seems to be placed here for the purpose of watching the enemy and preventing him from marching down this way. It is useless however to speculate in regard to the movements of either army at this time, for a single day may change the whole movements of both armies. I wrote you from Ev's house just before mounting my horse to go to camp on the night I received my orders to march. I was very sorry to leave the family before the funeral as they were suffering much under their affliction. I was however compelled to go, as military orders must be obeyed under all circumstances. Poor Evy, she is only / seventeen years old, and soon to become a mother. Her lot seems to be a hard one. She and her husband were both young and devoted to each other. He was very rich and a noble fellow with the brightest prospects in all things before him. He intended to resign as soon as the war was over, but it was not to be. Providence has ordered it otherwise, and although we cannot see it yet I believe it is all for the best.

 

            The time is fast approaching dear wife when I hope we will once again meet. How soon does your nurse say you will be able to travel in case I should not be able to get leave of absence? It will not do for you to travel too soon, but neither do I desire there should be any delay. The month is rapidly passing away, and October will soon be here when I hope once more to be with you either here or at home. I forget whether I have / told you all that I have done in regard to my promotion. I believe I did mention that I had myself placed in Secretary Stantons hands the letters which I sent to Eveline by Burnet. In addition to this Genl's Milroy and Sigel have both of them given me very handsome letters, and these last letters Mr Chase volunteered to present to Mr Stanton with one of his own. At his own request I called upon him on some business in regard to paying off the brigade, and during the interview, I showed him the letters of Milroy & Sigel, and he at once offered to send them with a letter of his own saying that he would do all in his power to have me promoted. I have some hopes but they are very faint, and if I am not promoted I shall blame Halleck, who it is said cannot see any military talent out of West Point. Write me exactly how you are in all respects. Love to your mother Lindy and the children, with loving kisses to darling wife and baby—N. C. M^cLean  /

 

 

 

 

Copy

Washington D.C. Sept 21^st 1862

Dear Sir

            Col N. C. M^cLean 75^th Regt Ohio Vols has been now for several months commanding a brigade in my late division of the 1^st Corps Army of Virginia. I wrote to the President or to the Dep^t some time since strongly recommending that he be promoted, so as by right of rank to be continued in such command. Since that time the whole course & career of Col M^cLean, and his very successful management of his brigade in discipline & efficiency confirm me in the propriety of my renewing and urging his recommendation. He has been with his command through much hard and active service, fought most gallantly under my own eye at the battles of the 29^th & 30^th near Centerville & has in all things as I think proved himself thoroughly entitled to be made a Brigadier General

           

I am Sir Your most Ob^t Servt

Rob^t C. Schenck

Maj Genl Vols /

 

 

 

 

 

Head Quarters Milroys Brigade

Near Fort Ethan Allen Va

Sept 20^th 1862

 

To the President of the U.S.

                                    Sir.      I desire to recommend for appointment to a Brigadier Generalship Col N. C. M^cLean of the 75^th Ohio Vols. His was one of the Regts of my Bg^d for about three months in Western Va & fought most gallantly under my own eye at M^cDowell. Col M^cLean is in the true sense of the term an accomplished gentleman of strict integrity & high moral character, a brave man & an accomplished officer, who has the interest of our country truly at heart & if promoted as deserved, will prove a reliable fighting General who will under all circumstances promote the best interest of the service.

                                                                       

With Great Respect

R. H. Milroy Brig Gen^l

 

 

 

 

            Since I had the honor to command the first Corps A of Va Colonel M^cLean was at the head of the 2^nd Brigade 1^st Division commanded by B. Gen Schenck and was participating in all the movements, fights, and battles of the last campaign. Honored and respected by his officers and soldiers, an officer and gentleman in the fullest sense, I think he deserves the confidence of the Government, and I therefore highly recommend him for appointment as Brigadier General—a rank which would be adequate to his position which he held during the last campaign.

                                                                                               

I am

Your Excellency's

obedient servant

F. Sigel

M. Gen^l

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