Phil. May 12^th/62

 

Friend Dewces,

                                    But one short week ago you wrote to tell me that Yorktown was ours; and now the news has reached us that Portsmouth and Norfolk are in our possession, and that the Merrimac is destroyed—me thinks Heaven was weeping over the past, not the future.

 

                                    I have always placed implicit confidence in Gen. M^cClellan notwithstanding all that has been said against all that he does, he has obtained/ a much more glorious victory by strategy, in my estimation, than force of arms could have gained for him. Certainly if a point can be taken without bloodshed it is finally much better; but it matters not, in whatever way he acts it will be extremely wrong in the opinion of his enemies.

 

                                    You say that to numbers of friends at home loss of life is doubtless something to be considered—you would think so if you could witness the excitement which prevails when the news of a battle arrives and the fearful anxiety with which the lists are waited for. [?] Kerry was in the city a few weeks ago for the purpose of offering his services as nurse for the sick and wounded near Yorktown; he was accepted and has since left—he was near West Point when last heard from; he told us that you/ were before Yorktown. When I heard that a body of our Cavalry was in pursuit I was certain that your regiment was with them and was very glad to hear of your safety. You should not feel as if you were inactive—if you were not at fortress Monroe, others would have to take your place.

 

                                    The picture which you have given me of your camp is quite enchanting—so far as the ladies are concerned you can enjoy yourselves at Camp much more than they can in the city—we being totally dependent and not able to go any where, in the evening, without an escort. You would be amused to hear some of the Phila. young ladies wishing in the most disconsolate manner imaginable “that the war was over.”/

 

We are enjoying a most delightful Spring. If I was near Camp Hamilton some of these beautiful mornings I think I should be very likely to borrow that “horse and side-saddle.” do you think I would be able to coax you to show me some of those splendid drives? I fear your favorite would be used quite as much as it cared about if it was in my power to do so. I see from the Inquirer that the First Delaware regiment left the other day for Norfolk. I presume it was was stationed near your Camp as I have often heard you speak of it. Write soon and tell me all the war news. I am expecting to hear of the fall of Richmond every hour. Mother and sister send their kindest regards, and I am truly

 

                                                            Your Friend

                                                                        A.H.S.

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