Head Qrs 2^nd Brig 1^st Div 11^th Corps

Brooks Station Feb 23^rd 1863

 

            I have waited dear wife until it is now already bed time, before writing to you my usual letter, in the hope that a favorable answer might return to Capt Friend's application for leave to go to Washington. None however has been received and I am again disappointed and not a little vexed. This afternoon I wrote a note to Genl Sigel's Adjutant General asking for an immediate answer, and have as yet heard nothing in reply. There is something wrong I am sure but I cannot say what, or where it is. Perhaps tomorrow will enlighten me. It may however be all for the best, as in a few days the Senate may save me all trouble about remaining here by sending me home. Eight more days from tomorrow, or rather seven, (for Congress must adjourn on the night of the 3^rd of March) / and my status in the army will probably be settled definitely. As yet I believe the House have not acted upon the new law passed by the Senate, and unless they do so all but ten Brigadiers I believe will be thrown overboard. Should the law pass however then the Senate may hold over beyond the 4^th of March for the purpose of confirming the various nominations made by the President up to the limit of the law. It is very disagreeable to be kept in this suspense, but by this time I have learned pretty thoroughly how to put with delays and anxieties of almost every kind, and I find the days slip around very rapidly. One week longer will tell the story and I can surely bear that delay.

 

Today it has been cool but overhead most delightful. The sun has shone brightly the whole day and the heavy snow is beginning to melt. We may fairly hope now for better weather as the spring is almost here according to the Almanac. / Our new bedstead is finished and it will be more comfortable than the old one as it is much wider. You will have to change the size of your bedtick. But if it is already made and should be too long that will make no difference. The width is of more importance. The bedstead is exactly six feet six inches long and four feet ten inches wide. Room enough for all of us and to spare. I hope you will be able to come down before my head is cut off as I want you to see the improvements which have been made for your accommodation. I shall expect you to be astonished and delighted with everything that has been done. If you should conclude to come before Capt Friend can come up I wish you to bring with you a sack of buckwheat flour and a barrel of flour apples. For this you will have to get transportation on the day before you start of Capt Robinson whose office is at the landing from which the boat starts. You can do this very easily however / upon the statement that the things are for my private use and brought upon my request. Perhaps it will be better for me to enclose a request to the Captain for transportation, which you can use in case of necessity. I am writing as if you might come at any time, and I cannot but hope that you will find some suitable opportunity this week. As soon as the nice spring weather comes on if I should remain in the army we will move, and then of course you cannot come to me. Advantage therefore must be taken of the present time or we cannot be together atall. What has Tot decided to do? She must be willing to put herself to some inconvenience in order to gratify me, as it may be a long time before another opportunity will offer of doing so.

 

It is late and I must say good night with love to Ev & family, Tottie, Bessie and kisses to darling wife—    M^cLean

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