West Point N. Y.

February 12^th/63

 

My dear father

                        I received your letter a few days since, and with it the money which you sent, and for which I am exceedingly obliged I know money is a very scarce article during these hard times, and one should make it a point to spend as little as possible, therefore you need not fear that I will make the request too often. I am quite sorry to hear that mothers illness remains so long, and hope that though her recovery is slow, it may be sure. I have little or no news of importance to give you though we have some that is pretty good if true, and some very bad from the Army of the Potomac, the first is a / mere rumor that M^cClellan is to be reinstated, the second is that the army started a forward movement a few days since, but in consequence of desertions & other causes had to abandon it. It is stated that 4000 deserted in a single day. I learned this latter from a private letter from an officer in that army and have no reason to disbelieve it

 

            What do you think of negro equality down in Ky. For old Abe to assume the power of setting them free I think was bad enough, but when our representatives in Congress assembled declare to protect their rights as citizens of the U.S. and to proclaim them eligible to all offices both civil & military, I think it is insulting to all conservatism and disquieting to every spectator. They seem to know that they are soon to be dethroned from the places of trust which they have so disgracefully abused (for I am fully convinced that the north have had enough / of Abolition rule) and they are determined to render practical their odious opinions while they have the power

 

I received a letter from Taff about a week since when he was at Frankfort. He was then making preparations to start south probably to Vicsburg. I guess if he goes to that place he will have some warm work on hand soon. I also received very unexpectedly a letter from Aunt Clay, which I will answer at the first convenience. I have but little time for writing at present and dispatch must plead my only excuse for such a disconnected & illegible letter as I have written. I sent you some papers some days since I hope you received them. As I know you are not very fond of letter writing tell Howard or some of the rest of family to write soon

 

Very affect. Your son

Rezin

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