7 oclock a.m

Fort Reno, D.C. May 12^th 1864.

 

Dear Friend Edward.

                                    Your welcome letter dated April 24^th was received on the 28^th of the same. You had it very tastefully arranged in patriotic colors red white and blue. I was glad to hear that the elections turned out so well against de-moc-ra-cy, mob-oc-ra-cy and slave-oc-ra-cy. I firmly believe, that the Union, the government Our Fathers purchased with their treasure and blood will be sustained I have hopes that it will soon come out of the present fiery trial purified and strengthened. the government is stronger to day than it was two years ago. I believe General’s / Grant, and Butler are determined to take Richmond, the stronghold of the pirates & murderers.—When I read the account of the butchery at Fort Pillow and Plymouth my blood fairly boiled. I was talking with a Soldier a few days ago, who had a brother-in-law killed there. he said if he ever is on the battle field again and he sees wounded rebels or any other kind crying for mercy, he will give them a bayonet through the heart in place of mercy. I received a letter from my Brother Charles two days ago. he is at Vicksburg. he had a letter from the hospital where the Fort Pillow wounded are. he says the account published in the newspapers is nothing more than true… / Brothers letter is very interesting he gave a description of Vicksburg he said he picked up 850 bullets in half an hour on the side of a small fort, and the ground had been picked over before. he says every tree and bush inside of the fortifications has been struck with some kind of a ball, and every house in the town has been pierced with a cannon ball or shell…I rec^d a letter from My Wife yesterday She is well. I am well, and in excellent spirits at present…The news from Gen^l U. S. Grant cheers me up. The Western boy’s call’s him US Government. a very good name…

 

I hav’nt had time yet to solve the enigma you sent..The news occupies a great deal of my time to keep up..With my best wishes. I am Your Friend. S R. Whitney.

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