West Point N. Y.

April 19^th 1863

 

Dear Howard

                                    Your rather unexpected though welcome letter was received some time since and I hope what I said in mine to mother will give you no discouragement but rather encourage you to more frequent attempts. I expect to make about as many mistakes as any one in writing a letter for I never look over to see, but to write a good letter is a very desirable accomplishment to any one, and especially one of a "spooney" temperament like yourself

 

As my ink has about given out, you must excuse my writing with a pencil. I wish you and all other administration persons who are not clothed with prejudice were here this evening. I think your faith (if you have any regard for the voice of multitudes) would be considerably shaken George B M^cClellan the idol of the Army, and all true constitutionalists, is spending a few days in our midst I was introduced and shook hands with him this morning as was also the greater number of the Cadets. We serenaded and cheered him until twelve oclock last night, in fact we have cheered until there is scarcely a dozen of us that can speak in an audible voice from hoarseness. The whole surrounding country has flocked around and is filled with the most intense & uprorious enthusiasm. He made us a short speech last night. Though he is by no means a gifted orator yet there is that pathos and rich toned voice / every word of which is filled with the noblest patriotism that renders his language exceedingly impressive. How old Abe and his cabinet must strangle in shame and agony to think that their dearest schemes for gaining their abominable ends are treated with such contempt by the majority of the people. They have selected the characters most warped in principles, most gifted in vulgar sarcasm and most preeminently sectional to make war reports, upon the conduct of a man who from jealousy and almost every feeling foreign to true patriotism they wish to crush. How my heart rejoices to see that at least a majority of the people are at last opening their eyes to the wily snares, and that the citizens of the middle states at least are beginning to think that amancipation is not necessary to the restoration of the union even though the border states think differently

 

            I suppose & hope that you have got rid of all the rebels by this time. I was very sorry to learn that Florence lost her pony, as I have no doubt but that it pained her exceedingly I understand that the officer who surrendered M^t Sterling is in arrest for cowardice is it so? I have no war news I believe of importance to give you—you have undoubtedly heard of the inglorious failure of the Charlestown expedition. I am getting along about as usual and would be glad to write you a long letter but for want of time I must postpone it until another time. I hope you will write again very soon and tell me if you have any news from Taff. I have been expecting a letter from him for the last month or more but it has never come—with love for you all I remain

 

Your brother

Rezin

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