Centreville Feb’y 23 1862
My Darling One –
How do
you stand the bad news?
– Now is the time I want you here with me to cheer you up, &
pat you on those dear cheeks when you get down in the mouth. All
will be well yet – Buckner’s loss is a heavy blow to us,
and the nation hangs breathless with anxiety to know his fate and the
real extent of our loss at Donelson. There is something wrong out
there – to be unraveled in future.
I went on a scout yesterday & found myself on the trail of a large
column of the enemy’s cavalry, half an hour ahead – they
were however at full speed & escaped but I found a Philadelphia
Press of the 21st which had as its caption
“Buckner held for treason”
it is of such a late date that I fear he is a prisoner beyond a
doubt. The item of the fall of Donelson & the capture of
15000 prisoners was announced to the Yankee Congress on the positive
assurance of Gen McClelland. But what if we lost 20,000, is that
a reason for our people to stand agape, no let the
nation rise
as one man and before the ides of March are upon us put 100,000 men
more in the field than one month ago seemed necessary. Let us be
nerved to tenfold effort & tenfold endurance with a firm &
sincere reliance on the God of Battles, & the Victory must –
shall be ours. Keep that dear little heart of yours still & strong for success for out of tribulation we will come
heroes, freemen.
I sent Capt Brien down to see the first President inaugurated. I
hope he will have a nice time. I fear however that Richmond is
very gloomy just now. I told him to bring you back with
him. He knows better than to disobey orders. Fitz Lee has
gone for a few days also. Ransome has returned. Tell La
petite that Pa thinks of her as much as ever and wonders how she is
getting along without him. Tell her the Corporal is not very
well. Burke is flourishing. Towles is
A.A.A.G. & does very well. Chiswell is not yet for duty, & still in Campbell.
Kiss the
boy & write soon
for I dont hear from you often enough. I can’t
account for the two weeks interval you refer to for I have written at
least twice a week.
Ever thine own