Cha^s—

 

Near Sandy Hook, Md.

Sat. morn. Oct. 18^th 1862.

 

Dear Father,

                        Your's enclosing a note from Coz William is just received. The reason why I felt sore on the letter question was, that I hadn't had anything of the kind for over a week. The reason of that was, that your letter was miscarried to another regiment. You were so good about writing at first, that the sudden change seemed worse to me, than they it really was. That's all. I should like to see Whitney very much. He was very pluckey to enlist as a private. You ask if we are all asleep on the Potomac. Most of us might as well be, but / you must have noticed, by this time in the papers, that a very feeble attempt was made to capture Stuart when he came around this way, which ignominiously failed. Last Thursday Gen Hooker moved on Charlestown, and occupied it. It is reported that he has backed out of that position, but it is not likely that he has abandoned it wholly, as there are four immense mills there, which lately have been running night and day to supply the Rebel Army with flour. The mills are undoubtedly destroyed if Hooker left no force behind him. The 2^nd & 12^th Army Corps, under Gen. Burnside, are designated for the Defences of Harper's Ferry. In all probability, we shall winter here, or hereabouts. Possibly we may be moving about up and / down the valley, but we will not be be first into Richmond, by any means. Of course we are all dissatisfied that we are not to see more of what is going on. But if there is any chance for a fight in this region, Gen. Burnside will take advantage of it and will—as he has never failed to do—be victorious.

 

I went over to across Harper's Ferry into Virginia yesterday. Coming back I reached the pontoon-bridge, and saw a large squad of horsemen coming towards me. I stopped to let them pass, thought I recognized the officer at the head, saluted him, the salute was politely returned, and after they had passed, I had my opinion confirmed, and Major General G. B. M^cClellan had touched his hat to me. I galloped home in high spirits. The General / was on his way, with his staff, to Charlestown. He looked quite rusty, and instead of a beautiful, black, glossy moustache, he has a sandy, straggling tuft of hair on his upper lip. There is a fearful amount of reel-tape in this army. I have no hope for a close of the war, till Providence freezes and starves them (the Rebels) out. I have talked with men, who have an intelligent idea of the state of things, and there is a good prospect, that this winter will finish them. We want to get through this, and come home. If we are to lie still this winter we would prefer to come a little nearer home. I see Col. Harland nearly every day. And now I want to ask your advice. Col. H. will probably be a Brigadier in a few days. He offers me a position as Aid on his staff. /

 

The rank will be the same, the pay less, except that I can have the use of a horse, and the position—for lightness of duty, and opportunity of meeting & getting acquainted with officers, is much pleasanter, and on that is sought after as much as any in the Army. Frank Bond holds it on Gen Tyler's staff. On the other hand, Col. Ross offers to make me Captain, with the first chance for Major, when a vacancy occurs. He gives me my choice of three companies—I don't know what to do. I shall any way, wait till Col. H. is appointed, for that may fall through. If I accept the Captaincy, I could not be detailed as aid. Suppose I have a chance to be Aid. What would you do? If I intended to make war my profession, I should not hesitate to put myself in the / line of promotion, with so good a chance. It is very gratifying to me, that after so short a service I should have two so good things thrust into my face. Col. Harland says he shall have me & Col. Ross "doesn’t see how he is going to make my place good", and offers this promotion to keep me. What would you do? Please ask Mother if she can't send me a box of goodies by Adams Express, addressing Frederick City, Md. Some old cheese, pies, crullers (not doughnuts) preserves—anything that will be rare. I should so like to have some home-made pies—not particular as to the kind. Meats & vegetables we get plenty of, but these little fixings would add greatly to our bill of fare. I will be much obliged if you will do as I request. Much love to all at home from y'r aff son Charlie

 

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As to Dolly, I think I will keep her a little longer. She seems to be a little better. If there is no likelyhood of her getting well I shall send her home. Especially if I am appointed Aid.

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