Charleston So. Ca.

Citadel Academy, April 2^nd, 1863

 

My Dear Little Brother,

It was with emotions of sadness that I received the tidings of your return to the “Army of the West.” But rest assured, that these feelings originated from no want of interest & devotion to the noble cause that you are engaged in, but solely because I feel that you are robbing yourself of the brightest days of your existence, the spring-time of your life, the very period that should have been spent in storing the mind with that knowledge which is indispensable to success in the contentions and trials that you will be forced to encounter, in this heartless world. Yet I think I should have acted as you have done, had I been placed in your situation. Perhaps, it is all for the best; no one, as yet, can say to the contrary, “Thy will be done Oh God!” but make our actions speak as though we believed it. Let come what may, as long as you can boast of life & health never, never give up the determination to acquire a good education. To be ignorant, that is not well educated, is to be cut off completely, from the greatest pleasures that this world affords. The exerience of all intelligent men confirms this opinion. So George, if you prize your own happiness, let the desire to become learned, great & good ever burn within your heart. I often, very often think of you, & it causes my very heart to bleed, when I reflect that you are fast approaching the verge of manhood & have not yet gathered these rich stores, which are so essentially requisite, to your happiness & well-being. But I will despair not; for “Hope, the evening beam that smiles the clouds away, And tints tomorrow with prophetic ray,” whispers to me that the dawn of a brilliant future is yet in store for you, if you will but prove yourself worthy of it. Hoping that your own good sense has long since shown you the importance of this matter, I will drop it for this time. George, it may be gratifying to you to know, that it is the prevalent, & expressed opinion of the prominent men in this department that the war will close this year, beyond a doubt. Gen. Beauregard, it is said, gave this as his firm belief about a fortnight since. If we are to have an honorable peace, God grant that it take place as soon as possible. I often have my fears with regard to your health & comfort, & would gladly shelter you (if I could) from the cold dripping rain & the wild mountain blasts to which you are so often exposed. I hope you do not suffer for want of clothes & blankets to keep you warm; if you do, you must let me know, & I will do all within my power to alleviate the cause. We have been looking for the Yanks to make their demonstration upon this dear old city until we have grown weary in the extreme. It is the opinion of many that it will certainly be attacked before this month expires. Again, not a few, believe that it never will be attacked. Notwithstanding our threatened state of affairs, the city wants not for pretty women to make its appearance lively enough for the most fastidious. If the Yanks were to attack it, I think it would be extremely ludicrous, to see what a “rumpus” there would be in the attempt to make themselves somewhat scarce. Their boasted courage, & utter defiance to the Yanks would vanish like mists before a noonday’s sun, or at least, that is my humble opinion. The young ladies of your acquaintance in this city, never fail to inquire after you; they expressed no little sorrow at your early return, yet they still live in the hope of seeing you wear the gray uniform of the Cadet. I hope will not disappoint their expectations. Miss Anne is living at Sommerville at present. I have just received a letter from Jeff, which informs me that it is doubtful you are released before the war terminates I’m truly sorry to hear this, but grieve not, recollect that every cloud has a silver lining. He writes that all are very well and that he is making a little money. He says that the crop of small grain promises well, and that the fruit trees are all in full bloom. In this city the leaves on many of the trees are nearly grown. George, I suppose Rev. E. W. Horrle is your Capt. I think you are quite fortunate in having so good a one. No man stands higher in my estimation than he does. Please remember me to him, also to all of the boys of my acquaintance. I expect you would like very much to hear from some of the girls about home, but alas! I am not able to give you the precise information. If you are corresponding with any of them, let me entreat you not to become entangled in any engagement, for I can assure you that when you live as long as I have, you will think as I do on this very important matter. The 15^th of this month will see me in the highest class in this institution, and one year from that time, (if God in his mercy has spared me) will see me battling with the world for a maintenance and a name. But I can assure you that I’m eager for the contest. So much so, that I feel sometimes like a caged lion. I am anxious to show to the world that there is some of my family endowed with decision of character and integrity of purpose. I know at first, that there are many of our heartless enemies (in sheep’s clothing) who would gladly crush from our nature that proud elevating spirit, that determination to be somebody which has ever characterized so few of our family. But there is one of our name will cling with fondness to it while there is life to animate him to action. Our examination will commence next week and will continue for about nine days. Next Friday night our society commencement will take place. I have the honor of addressing the graduates on that occasion likewise the presentation to them of their diplomas. I wish you could attend. Steve, Ward and Dink all join in sending their warmest regards. You must write me a long letter, tell me all about your friends, especially your officers, your food & clothing, likewise housing. Write me about all of your warm friends so that I may know (in case you should be unfortunate as never to return) who they are. I could write you a much longer letter but will refrain from doing so on this occasion again fearing that its perusal may weary you. If you will only write to me I will send your letters soon as they are read home which will lessen the necessity of your writing them so often. George, Hoping that the God of Battle will watch over and protect you I will close

 

                                                            Your brother in affection

                                                                        Alfred G. Howard

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