Clay Hotel, Washington D.C.

Thursday, August 28^th 1862

 

Dear Parents:

                        I am safe in Washington and none the worse for wear. I am taking it easy—I went first to the Paymaster's office & tried to get my pay, but was told I must first get my orders from the War Dept as to whether I was to rejoin my command, receive a new leave of absence, or be discharged. This was as I expected. The A.A.Gen^l on being informed that I had been on furlough, said I should have reported with to my regt. This disappointed me. / I however went to Gen. Hallecks Hd. Qrs. to ascertain where my regt. was stationed & was told at York Town and that I could get transportation thither by applying to Col. Rucker Chief Quartermaster. On applying to Col. R. I found that no transportation could be obtained without an order from some superior officer. Gen Wadsworth, Military Governor of the District, was next called on; who, instead of ordering me to rejoin my regt at York Town ordered me to report to Gen. M^cClellan's Hd. Quarters near Alexandria. I will not bother you with further details of my days / adventures. I have said enough to show what it is to do military business in Washington. I am so used to it, however, that I am not much troubled by it. To morrow I am going to try another string before reporting to Alexandria. I am still as much in doubt as to what will become of me militarily as when I left home. I feel very indifferent about it. I desire to do my full duty, but do not care to sacrifice myself to no purpose. I nearly exhausted myself to day, though I patronized the street cars on the main avenues. It is very warm. We had a nice shower between 4 & 5 P.M. to day. / The city is full of rumors about the rebels taking Bull Run again & many fears are entertained that Washington will be taken within 48 hours. I hope the Rebs will make the attack I would would not have to go so far to fight them. At any rate I expect to sleep well till they do come. But there seems to be two sides to the controversy as to whether Jackson surrounded Pope & cut off his retreat, or Pope Jackson. Ere this reaches you the problem will doubtless be solved.

 

            You need not write till you hear from me again.

 

                                                Very truly &c.

                                                                        Victor A. Elliott

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