Head Quarters 2^nd Brig 1^st Div

Camp at Chantilly Nov 28^th /62

 

            No letter from you on yesterday dear wife, and no reply to my telegraph sent several days since. I will hope however that our dear baby has continued to improve so as now to be entirely relieved. It is now seven days since the date of your last letter and if baby has continued to improve she ought to be well by this time. I am very anxious to hear how she is today but suppose it is impossible to do so, as my experience in telegraphing from Fairfax Court House has taught me not to rely upon it atall. I will hope for the best. That is I will try to do so, for I find it very difficult at times to control my feelings. Last night I felt very much depressed, and went / to bed feeling very miserable. This morning however the bright sun has in some degree driven away the blues, although I feel far from happy. I have heard nothing from Major Reily for several days and cannot therefore tell whether he will be delayed long enough for you or not. I trust his business will keep him until baby is able to travel, for I shall feel much better satisfied to have you come on with the Major than with any one else. You see I still hope to have you with me. Indeed I cannot bear to give up the idea, and shall feel very unhappy if I am compelled to do so. So be very careful of both baby and yourself so that you can join me as soon as possible. 

 

            In the army you know that we are never sure of any time but the present, and that makes me so very anxious to have you take advantage of our present position. Circumstances may change and we may be ordered forward entirely out of your reach. I hope however this will not be the case, for as much as I wish this war pushed on vigorously so as to bring it to a speedy close, yet I cannot make up my mind to miss a visit from you this winter. I wrote you to bring on your saddle & bridle and I hope you will not forget to do so, as you will find it very useful here, in moving about from place to place. Do you think you can carry baby on horseback before you? When you come you must make up your mind to bear / all sorts of hardships & discomforts. Do not forget to bring some condensed milk for baby, for very often we cannot get a drop of milk. Be sure to get that which is fresh. Try it, so that there need be no mistake. Today I am in command of the whole division, or such part of it as remains in camp. This morning Gen^l Stahel with Col Von Gilson who commands the 1^st Brigade went on an expedition with all our cavalry, two batteries of artillery and four regiments of infantry. This of course leaves me in command. Gen^l Stahel said that he would not take me with him in order that I might hear from home sooner by remaining. The expedition will probably occupy three or four days but I do not believe they will be able to do anything.

 

Love to Eliza and all the children.

 

with loving kisses to baby & darling wife—

M^cL

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