West Point N. Y.

March 22^nd 1863

 

My dear mother

                        As I have a little leisure time on hand which will probably be the last for some weeks I know of no better way of employing it than by writing home. Howard's letter together with yours came to hand a few days since and I was greatly surprised to hear my name taken in connexion with disloyalty. I dont recollect what I said in my preceding letter farther than a strong condemnation of Lincoln & his advisers in their actions under the influence of feelings alone I would not use such language But in this case I am convinced that my feelings are in perfectly in harmony with my duty; and that duty, to which I have volunteered my life and honor, is what I owe to my country. I am proud to say that I have / taken an oath to support the constitution and to protect it from all opposers whatsoever. Is it consistent with my duty to see that constitution trampled upon and totally disregarded not only in spirit but in letter as every one with reason will allow it has been by our executive? Can we not crush this rebellion without violating our constitution? without stooping to negro equality & thereby prostrating our own interests? It is my opinion that we can, and this is the only point on which I disagree with the admirable letter which you enclosed to me. I am however open to conviction and if I am wrong I only hope I may be convinced of it. But then it is said that Lincoln can do nothing before his term expires. An army of 700 000 now under charge of a man selected by a majority of the people of the U.S. as their commander can do nothing in a year & a half against less than half their number I as one of the former number would hang / my head in shame to make the acknowledgement. That is a resort I think yet too open to be sought. Besides what do we want with a man whose baneful policy will allow us to do nothing. Heaven knows the war has lasted long enough already. Why not make him change his sectional course, then the thousands upon thousands who have deserted would flock to our noble standard and this infamous rebellion be crushed at once. I have given you now my opinions and sincerely hope that I have said nothing that will give you pain. If any one can read this and say that I am inclined to disloyalty or even that my mind is wavering there I must say that our understanding of the human language is very different I will not however say any thing more on this subject at preasent as it is getting very late. Every thing is going on here as usual I am considerably cheered with the idea of being soon in / the first class & then one more year to graduation. I suppose you have given up the idea visiting me next summer. You ought to come by all means, if you possibly can I know you would be pleased and I would be certainly pleased to see you. How do you think Howard signed his letter I dont like to tell it on him for fear he wont write again, but it is rather to good to be kept to myself so he ended up with "Your respected brother Howard" Tell him I will answer his letter at the first opportunity and hoping to hear from you soon

 

 I remain your affect son

Rezin

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