Harpers ferry Va

                                                                                                Sept. 28^th 1862

 

My Dear Friend

                                    Your letter of last month came to hand since I arrived at Washington. Why I have not answered sooner you doubtless easily understand. You of cours have seen particulars of the exit of M^cLellans Armey from the panincula, Also the accout of the various battles he has had in western Marryland where he has made his name immortal by Saving the Cities of Washington and Baltimore from total ruin. The last Battle (of Antietam) was the most desperate & bloody / I have witnessed since the campaign commenced The Rebbles wer detirmed we should not take the position without walking over their dead boddies which resolution they kept good yet the position we must and did hold let it cost what it would.

 

The wildest flights of immagination can not posibly create a picture so horrible, but what it would be a parradice compared with that bloody field; it beggers all attempts at discription And none but he who can see the beauty and vastness of the word “My Country” can pass with pleasure over such a field. The wounded are being cared for as well as circumstances will admit yet / many must suffer greatly, and this brings to mind my previous letter which it seems must have contained something which was bitterly against your feelings which almost if not quite turned your friendship to a hatred against me and the tone rather demands of me an explanation or desires me to infringe no more upon your time.

 

            Now if I mistake not in your previous letter you asked me what I thought of your new Object. I gave my opinion, not that I thought to mutch could be done for one who had bled for his Country but knowing as I did that a constitution of sutch delicate organisation—with an ambition that would / lead an armey victoriously—with a heart so tender that it must constantly bleed from the many sights of others woes & knowing also tho the dificult task you would have to encounter I could but believe that your exertions would soon bring you to a bed of sickness and I therefore expressed everything to prevent it.

 

If there was any thing else about my letter which caused you to meet me with sutch stern coldness, I am sorry and can only say that it was by no means intended. The circumstances of our acquaintance was of a very peculiar nature, so very strange indeed that it has ocupied / a very great portion of my thoughts since the 7^th of August 1861 and often have I dreamed of returning from this struggle and finding still in thee a Friend

And Must it be All a dream?

 

            You will certainly answer this letter and tell me why “you would not write a second time without receiving an answer” &c &c

 

            I have not had letter from John in 5 months though have written him repeatedly can you give me any information about him.

 

            I am still at Genl Sedgwicks Hd Qrtrs with Capt Batcheldor and as we have no dificulty I may remain with him / during the war

 

Remember me to your Clifton Friends & please write me immediatly

 

            As ever            Your Brother               Chas

P.S. Direct to Washington DC, as before       C

 

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