West Point New York

September 8^th 1862

 

My dear Mother

                        I am now in barracks and again deeply engaged in the course of study which accounts for my delay in returning an answer to your last letter. The routine of military duties which attend a life in camp was quite willingly exchanged for the interesting and beneficial course of study that I have this year, and which I hope to get through better than that of last, at least better in regard to class standing. Among my studies are french & drawing neither of which I ever studied before, and consequently with which I meet a good deal of difficulty but by application I guess I could obtain a medium standing in either. My drawing at preasent consists of topographical sketching with the pencil, pen & water-colors and with which I am employed two hours each day. I expect I will begin / riding about the 1^st of November. We have some very nice horses and a splendid riding hall where we can ride during the coldest weather. I hear but little news now except in connexion with the war, but I suppose we all feel so much concerned about that, that nothing else is of sufficient interest for inquiry. I suppose Cousin George Gist is still absent with his company? I thought that was the company to which Taff belongs, or did he throw up the idea of being a soldier when it came to active service I see that Lincoln has made in Ky. a military department and transported a good many soldiers there and that Magoffin had har requested their withdrawal which was refused. Do the people consider it as trespassing upon their neutrality or not? I dont believe I see the use of armed neutrality if soldiers of the different sections are allowed to encamp in the heart of the state, but perhaps it is to allow northern and not southern soldiers. You recollect I suppose the slip of paper you sent me containing some remarks about the / appointment of Mahone as cadet? I regret to tell you that he was found deficient to enter, at the preliminary examination. Judge Goodloe of whom undoubtedly you have heard has a son that came on this year, and who I think will do well. Two Kentuckians were dismissed a week or two ago for refusing to take the oath of allegiance. Throughout the north men are daily arrested for refusing the oath. it is indeed no trifling matter to take an oath such as that. Taff seemed to make very light of me being at all scrupulous in taking it I dont know wheather he meant that I was too consciencious or wheather he sneezed at the idea of a person at West Point being at all consciencious, I know that it is not a place likely to inspire one with the profoundest piety or zeal in the promotion of Christianity, we at least learn to respect the name of God, and to know that if we take an oath that we cannot feelingly enter into the spirit if we have committed perjury. You reorganized the photograph that I sent you, did you? I sent Sue one taken / with a different position I hope she has received it. Write again as soon as you can make it convenient and I will write as often as possible

 

Very affect. your son

Rezin

SOURCES