Washington City Sept 21^st 1862

 

            I am writing to you dear wife from Ev's house. The worst has happened & poor Kingsbury is dead. His wife is not yet eighteen years old, and is soon to become a mother. Kingsbury was a noble fellow and a devoted husband, and his death will be a terrible blow upon the whole family. Poor Evy sheds scarcely a tear, but suffers with that staring look which tells of suffering to come hereafter. I cannot tell you how distressing it is to see her in this state. I come in to attend the funeral tomorrow at eleven oclock, but have this moment received orders to be ready to march at six oclock tomorrow morning, and I have just sent for my horse to ride out to camp. It is now nine / oclock at night, and I must ride nine miles to camp, and perhaps not march after all. Where we are to go or what we are to do I cannot tell. Today we have not received any news from M^cClellan, but at the last accounts the rebels had recrossed into Virginia and opposed the crossing of M^cClellan in their rear. I think it probable that we are going simply to make a reconnaissance, in order to find out the whereabouts of the enemy or perhaps to change our position on the other side of the river. As soon as possible I will write you word where we have marched to.

 

There seems just now to be considerable movement in regard to promotions and my letters have been presented to the Secretary of War, but whether they will have any effect or not remains to be seen. I fear that the claims of volunteer officers / will be ignored in favor of those of the regular officers. The popular rumor says that Gen^l Halleck does not look favorably upon volunteers, & if so he of course will set me aside as trash. I confess to a wish that I should have the rank as well as the work of a Brigadier.

 

How are you and baby getting along? How much I wish my march was to you, instead of from you. As soon as possible if God spares me I will be with you darling wife. Let us trust in Gods mercy that He will preserve both of us for much happiness here on earth. I must close and mount for camp so goodbye and God bless you darling wife. Love to your mother Lindy and the children with loving kisses to darling wife

                                                                                                           

N. C. M^cLean

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