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to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He is not that discouraged by the fact that they did not advance and take Richmond. He is just happy to see the James River and be alive. He has confidence.

GLC02161.045

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There is a rumour going around that Will was released but it is not believed because he would have stopped by. The men signed a petition to keep him in their regiment.

GLC02161.046

to his sister

He is afraid he raised her hopes by talking of Will's probable release. Meanwhile, Capt. Albergen is trying to see if he can get him a furlough. He encloses a sketch of his quarters, not included here.

GLC02161.047

to his mother

Everyone is happy about the "drafting order." He knows Lincoln wants to end the war. He has not received any boxes yet. He wants a position in one of the conscript regiments.

GLC02161.048

to his mother

The paymaster still hasn't been around, but his health is good, though he has been fatter in the past. Written at Fort Pocahontas

GLC02161.049

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been marching for four days. They have been on their way to Yorktown. But he was so tired he decided to go to Fort Monroe via a steamer. He has no idea what the army's final destination is.

GLC02161.050

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Will is in the hospital and he is hoping he can get a leave because he will need lots of home care if he is to be fit for duty again. They leave for Newport News tonight. He is afraid the new movement will break the army up.

GLC02161.051

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There was a rumor that Smith's Division had been taken from the army of the Potomac and assigned to the central department. Four months ago they came to this same place with 780 men. Now they only have 400.

GLC02161.052

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They arrived in Bull Run only to find out they had been whipped. He lists the names of the officers that were wounded. He had a letter written to her which he tore up, for fear the Rebels would get it if he were wounded or killed.

GLC02161.053

to his father

He is upset because he received a package from Adams Express in which everything was rotten. But he was able to salvage a few things.

GLC02161.054

to William McLean

He tells a story in which a lot of soldiers and cavalry were standing around and someone asked, 'Where's Gen. Pope?' And someone else answered: 'In his headquarters.' Upon asking where his headquarters were, the reply was: 'In his saddle.' Written in...

GLC02161.055

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They are between the enemy and the river. Marching is very rough. The skin on his heels came off and he had to march the entire way in that condition.

GLC02161.056

to mother

They have since passed through several cities and escaped the warm fire of artillery. There has been heavy firing in the direction of Harper's Ferry though he hears their side has surrendered at Harper's Ferry.

GLC02161.057

to mother

He is very bitter towards the Buffalonians for their bias toward other regiments. It looks like many regiments will be consolidated since some have lost a considerable number of men. Some officers will be discharged and if he is one, he will not...

GLC02161.058

to mother

Charley will be a lieutenant in a battery. He read in the paper that the government will allow three years men to fill up the 21st. But if he thinks they would stay any longer than that he is stupid. Even Gen. McClellan thinks they were held...

GLC02161.059

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They were reviewed by Lincoln on the third. Unfortunately, they've had to wear the same clothes since before Richmond. There is much description concerning their raggedy clothes.

GLC02161.060

to his father

He tells his sister not to worry because his health is first-rate and he always tells her the truth. He discusses his pick for gubernatorial honors.

GLC02161.061

to mother

No one is getting paid. Some of the men have no clothes and few tents. He assures his sister he will send some money the moment he is paid.

GLC02161.062

to sister

He does not like how she phrased his current activities. She said he was 'on the retreat' which sounds like he ran away. He mentions the recent raid in Pennsylvania. He doesn't agree with the general's decisions there.

GLC02161.063

to sister

He is glad Will got a promotion. He will be leaving the 49th and he is glad about that. A soldier named Hancock will have been court marshaled for several offenses.

GLC02161.064

to father

He thinks they will go to Virginia tomorrow where everything is destroyed. They may have big fight soon. McClellan tries to avoid fights, apparently. He afraid of harming his reputation, should they lose.

GLC02161.065

to father

McClellan is gone now. He rather liked him and feels that the new commander, Burnside, may only do better because he is luckier. They may or may not have a heavy battle soon.

GLC02161.066

to mother

He thanks her for the package she sent. He has rheumatism in his hip, he thinks. Their lieutenant resigned on account of sickness. Written at the Stafford Courthouse.

GLC02161.067

to mother

Mollie writes that Tom resigned and is coming home, though he wanted to keep it a surprise. She also writes that when Will comes, he will bring Fanny with him.

GLC02161.068

to Orville "Tom" S. Dewey

He speculates on when the war will end, at one point saying that some think not until the Southern race is exterminated. He asks how he has coped with the change in command, adding that he always like McClellan.

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