I have written to you once from this place and received no answer, but
as Orvil writes to me that you express great anxiety to hear from me
often, I will try to find time to drop you a line twice a month, and
oftener when anything of special interest occurs.
The papers keep you posted as to army movements, and as you are
already in possession of my notions on secession nothing more is
wanted on that point. I find here however a different state of feeling
from what I expected existed in any part of the South. The majority in
this part of the State are secessionists, as we would term them, but
deplore the present state of affairs. They would make almost any
sacrifice to have the Union restored, but regard it as dissolved, and
nothing is left for them but to choose between two evils. Many, too,
seem to be entirely ignorant of the object of present hostilities. You
cannot convince them but that the ultimate object is to extinguish
slavery by force. Then, too, they feel that the Southern Confederacy
will never consent to give up their State, and as they, the South, are
the strong party, it is prudent to favor them from the start. There is
never a movement of troops made, that the secession journals through
the country do not give a startling account of their almost
annihilation at the hands of the State troops, whilst the facts are,
there are no engagements. My regiment has been reported cut to pieces
once that I know of, and I don't know but oftener, whilst a gun has
not been fired at us. These reports go uncontradicted here and give
confirmation to the conviction already entertained that one Southron
is equal to five Northerners. We believe they are deluded, and know
that if they are not, we are.
Since I have been in command of this military district, (two weeks), I
have received the greatest hospitality and attention from the citizens
about here. I have had every opportunity of conversing with them
freely and learning their sentiments, and although I have confined
myself strictly to the truth as to what has been the result of the
different engagements, the relative strength, the objects of the
Administration, and the North generally, yet I think they don't
believe a word.
I see from the papers that my name has been sent in for Brigadier
General. This is certainly very complimentary to me, particularly as I
have never asked a friend to intercede in my behalf. My only
acquaintance with men of influence in the State was whilst on duty at
Springfield, and I then saw so much pulling and hauling for favors
that I determined never to ask for anything, and never have, not even
a colonelcy. I wrote a letter to Washington tendering my services, but
then declined Governor Yates' and Mr. Trumbull's endorsement.
My services with the regiment with which I now am have been highly
satisfactory to me. I took it in a very disorganized, demoralized and
insubordinate condition, and have worked it up to a reputation equal
to the best, and, I believe, with the good will of all the officers
and all the men. Hearing that I was likely to be promoted, the
officers, with great unanimity, have requested to be attached to my
command. This I don't want you to read to others for I very much
dislike speaking of myself.
We are now breaking up camp here gradually. In a few days the last of
us will be on our way for the Missouri River, at what point cannot be
definitely determined, wood and water being a consideration, as well
as a healthy, fine site for a large encampment. A letter addressed to
me at Galena will probably find me there. If I get my promotion I
shall expect to go there for a few days.
Remember me to all at home and write to me.
Yours truly,