Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Centerville Oct 1^st 1862

 

            I was in the saddle all day yesterday dear wife so that I could not write to you. The brigade was not out, but I was with Gen^l Stahel who now commands our division in place of Gen^l Schenck. We are now resting quietly at this point without any definite idea as to what we are to do. There seems to be trouble in the camp somewhere among those high in authority. Gen^l Sigel has been snubbed, and treated badly by Halleck and has asked to be relieved from his command. What the result will be I do not know, but it certainly is very unfortunate that dissension should exist at this particular time when all our strength should be united. /

 

Gen^l Stahel informed me yesterday that today he intended to make an official recommendation of Col Von Gilson & myself for appointment as Brigadiers. He requested me to send one of my Colonels to him this morning to make the recommendation for him as he could not with good english. You see that all parties in the army where I am are in favor of my promotion. One of my Colonels came to me yesterday and wished to know whether I desired any action on the part of the Colonels saying they would most heartily do all they could &c. All this is very pleasant to me, and makes me desire more earnestly the appointment but I fear the powers at Washington have other ideas which may keep me where I am. If possible I intend going to Washington tomorrow and when there I will see the Secretary of War if I can, and have some better / understanding both in regard to my promotion, and going home. I think the "snap" as the Secretary called it is now pretty well over, and I have his verbal promise for leave of absence when that happens. Now that October has come I am more anxious than ever to return. I feel as anxious as you to meet you and nothing must prevent your coming on here should it be impossible for me to go West. If I am to be kept here all winter around Washington I will see if I cannot make some suitable arrangement for you and the children, so that I can at least see you occasionally. In two weeks your six weeks will be over when you were to be permitted to travel, and now that it is so near I have become very impatient, and can hardly wait for the time to pass. Perhaps Mr Stanton may relent in my / favor, and if he does we will see each other sooner. I received a letter last night from Jane dated the 23^rd of Sept. They seemed to be in great commotion at Louisville, but I can hardly believe that Bragg will be allowed to attack the place. Surely troops enough can be raised to defend the place at a distance from the town. To be sure a bad and incompetent commander may have a battle, as Pope did, and then the city would be in danger. How I wish my brigade could be sent out to defend you. Would it not be grand? I believe I will suggest it to Mr Stanton. It would take us away from our present position, which I know would be agreeable to all of us.

 

Love to your Mother Lindy and the children with loving kisses to darling wife & little baby.

N. C. M^cLean

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