Louisville Jan 28^th 1863

 

As usual my dear brother I have to write several letters to your one. Now Cousin Charlie treats me better than that. I received a long letter from him last week which I promise myself the pleasure of answering very soon. His wound still troubled him a great deal, kept him awake at night. He was with his regiment on Stone river. He says our troops are behaving shamefully. He says "I heartily rejoice in the rank of Genl. I wish I could see only a few cases, where it has been so fitly & worthily bestowed". Does your vanity tell you to whom he refers. They say his regiment is one of the finest in the army, & he is a great favorite. I hope it may not be long before he receives his deserts in the shape of a star. There is no one at whose success I would more heartily rejoice than his, & few to whom I am more / attached. I am so grieved to hear of the trouble in the 75^th. I feel as much interest in the old regiment that as I ever did, & it distresses me very much to when anything happens that may injure it. I was very much astonished at Col Constable's conduct. He forgets that as much as we may differ from those in power at present, our first duty is to subdue the enemy, crush the rebellion & then correct ourselves. Whatever the administration may do does not make secession right, & as Cousin Charley said in his letter 'fight on we must'.

 

I do not believe Col Constable is a sympathizer with the South; although a strong pro-slavery man, he seemed so earnest in the work he had undertaken to do. It seems hard to get a Genl to suit in command of the army of the Potomac. They scarcely give one a chance to prove what he is before they try another. It is truly disheartening when we think of / the little progress we have made towards peace. Gen. Ord, who married a cousin of ours, took dinner with us Sunday, he prophesies peace in a year. Long as that seems to be, I would be very thankful to think it would come true. We received a letter from Eliza. Katie is to be married tomorrow evening. Of course you know to whom. The Genl passed through here a few days ago & made no secret of it but as he was disappointed once before I did not believe it until I heard from headquarters. They are coming directly here to spend a few days before Genl M^cCook returns to his command. Eliza will return with them. She is in a perfect whirl of excitement, says Genl M^cCook is splendid &c.

 

Mary Tyler sent Lou an excellent photograph of herself. She is very well but is quite low spirited, she has not heard from M^r Johnson since Christmas.

              The children are improving very rapidly / in their studies, especially Evy. She is very fond of her school & studies & practices very well. She is so fat it is really ridiculous. I felt her her cheeks really hang down I never saw either of the children look as well. Johnny put on suspenders today & you should see the airs he puts on. He feels himself a man; he says he 'guesses he does like them'. Evy is waiting for me to teach her her french lessons so I must stop. You must excuse this letter for I am excessively stupid tonight. I sat up five nights out of the last seven with a little cousin. For the last month or two I have been nursing so much that I hope some time to make a good nurse, that has always been my ambition. Miss Henny Johnston is still here I see a great deal of her. I dread for the time to come when she will leave. I was so glad to hear you now have command of a division. I hope you will be less exposed in battle than before & secondly I suppose it is a compliment & therefore I am pleased. Ma & all join me in warmest love God bless you & keep you safe from all harm yr aff sister Jane

 

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The enclosed is a note acknowledging the receipt of his photograph, please give it to him I did not know his address Evy says she will write soon

 

 

Head Quarters 1^st Division 11^th Army Corps

Brooks Station Feb 4^th 1863

              I arrived here in safety dear wife last night after a very disagreeable ride on the railroad from Aquia to this point. In all other respects my trip was very comfortable although the day was very cold. I found the steamer quite large and very comfortable. It was the John Break, an old boat which has been used in other places until now. My shoulder straps carried me out of the crowd into the ladies cabin where there were but very few persons, and I was able to get possession of a sofa all to myself, and lounged away the time very comfortably until our arrival at Aquia. We had also an excellent dinner for which I paid seventy five cents and this no doubt contributed greatly to my comfort. If ever you come down you must look out for this boat. She comes down one day and runs back the next, making / the trip in about one hour less time than the morning boats, and with the chance of being much less crowded, and therefore more comfortable. When I arrived at Aquia it was intensely cold, with a high wind which cut like a knife. The cars did not leave until six oclock so that I had to loaf upon Col Rogers until I certainly got tired myself whether he did or not. There was only one box freight car in which to carry passengers and for at least half an hour before the time of starting it was crowded full of soldiers. Of course there was no stove, and the door was closed to keep out the cold wind, making the inside as dark as night, and of course filled with the perfume of the breath of all these soldiers. When the time arrived for starting the conductor slid back the door to find a place for me, but I respectfully declined entering, and asked permission to ride on the locomotive which was given me. My ride was airy but much more agreeable than it could possibly have been inside the box car. When the / door was opened I caught sight of two ladies in the midst of the soldiers, and pitied them very much I assure you. There was no help however for them. They could not stay at the landing, and could not leave in any other way. I thought of you riding in such a place and in such company without me, not with much pleasure.

 

You were expected with me here, and my room in addition to scrubbing has been quite prettily decorated by branches of holly over the mantel piece, and round the room. The brilliant red berries and green leaves contrast most beautifully, and make a very tasteful ornament for my room. A bedstead had also been manufactured of pine, which looks very well and is really very much more comfortable than my little cot. I lack however a bed, and the next time I go to Washington will endeavor to supply this want by having a bed tick made which I can fill with straw, and in this way do very well. Although the / night was very cold, I managed to keep very comfortable, which I could not have done very easily on my cot. I think you will have to contrive to make me a visit when Bessie gets right well. I will scout around the country and see if I cannot find some place where I can get milk. I fear it will be difficult to find however for there is nothing here for cows to live upon. I shall expect to hear from you tomorrow how both Sattie and Bessie are. I found three letters from you, one from Jane and one from Mrs M^cLean of Reading Pa & her brother-in-law in Philadelphia. They are willing to sell Bull Run & say that he cost $150—. Mrs M^cLean asks if he is worth that to me & if not what sum I will give for him. She wishes me to send the opera glass and flask found in the saddle pockets. I shall reply, and offer $100— for the horse & saddle, & if she does not accept will send him home, or to Washington. I enclose you Janes letter and commend to your special reading her remarks in regard to Col Constable. You must admit that Jane is exactly right. Love to Ev & family, Tottie, Bessie & good night kisses to darling wife.

                                                                                                                                               

M^cLean

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