Theodore N. Gates

E. Providence, R.I.

156 Waterman Ave

April 7^th 1911

 

To Luther W. Hopkins             

Baltimore Md.

 

                        My dear Comrade

                                                On my return, near the midnight hour last night, after a two days attendance of our Mass. Dept Encampment of the G.A.R. I found awaiting me your postal, and the Volume "From Bull Run to Appomattox" and there is a question which was the greater, my surprise or delight. I assure you I very much appreciate your kindness and generosity, and above all your goodness in addressing me with "Comrade", for I am strong on that point and believe that true comradeship comes both sides of the line, in this our united country under the dear old Flag. It is an esteemed privilege that I enjoy very much to call some of those who wore the Grey my dearest friends, one of whom saw the first gun fired on Sumpter, and was / a gunner the day of Appomattox and assisted in firing the last gun that day by the Washington Battery of Charleston S.C. I shall read with much interest your volume, for I have read the life of Stewart written by his Adjt. (the name I do not recall at the moment), who was wounded by a good friend of mine living near, Judge G. N. Bliss of the 1^st R.I. Cavalry. Capt Bliss was captured by Stewarts troops after being wounded. He is now in Va on a visit to this same comrade and closer friends than they two cannot be found. Their photos taken together hang in the GAR Post room here and underneath is printed their names and "Once Enemys, but now Eternal Friends".

 

            I am glad you have met my good and constant friend and comrade, H. Arthur White. He is one of Gods Nobleman. I once had the pleasure of meeting Genl John B. Gordon that brave and gallant soldier also Genl "Joe" Wheeler who used to keep us guessing "right sharp" for we never knew how soon he was going to appear, no matter / how far away he might be reported. He surely was a gallant soldier and it mattered not when he came there was something doing right away. It is a novel idea to give a story of the war from a "Boys point of view" and to my mind it is a good one. I anticipate the reading and the pleasure others will also receive in reading its pages—And when I receive my final muster out it with all the books I have concerning the great struggle of from /61 to /65 will find a place in the public library in a Mass. town where I lived many years after my return from the War.

 

            Again I thank you most heartily, and I hope the time may come when I can take you by the hand and express to you what I am not able to by the medium of the pen.

 

Most Sincerely Yours in full Comradeship

Theo N Gates

Soldier of 25^th Mass Vol Infy

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