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remarks about me, because, in the first place, Reynolds is a man who never says or does such things.
He is a very good fellow, and I have had much pleasant intercourse with him during the past eighteen months, and considering how closely we have been together and the natural rivalry that might be expected, I think it is saying a good deal for both that we have continued good friends.
I fear all hopes of getting home for the present have disappeared.
Yesterday we had orders to be in readiness to move at twelve hours notice, which means, I presume, (though I know nothing) that an advance is contemplated; whether we will cross above or below is a matter of conjecture; or whether we will cross at all. Still, so long as there is a talk of moving, I am kept here.
To-day it is raining; a few days' rain will stop all movement.
Your kind letter, dated Christmas, was received yesterday, and I am very much obliged to you for your affectionate remembrance of me. You say truly, we have a great deal to be thankful for, and when we consider the distress and mourning that is around us, our hearts ought to be filled with gratitude for the mercy that has been extended.
John2 is very much pleased at George's3 being here, and takes great interest in all that relates to him. George has taken a great fancy to a little black mare I have, belonging to the Government, which he has given me various hints he thought I might buy and present to him, and in this little scheme to diminish my finances to the tune of one hundred and twenty dollars, he has the hearty co-operation of Master John, who regularly informs me every morning he thinks the boy ought to have the black mare.
I have sent George's name to the President for appointment as one of my aides, with the rank of captain.
To-day is my wedding and birthday.
To-day I enter on the forty-seventh year of my life and the twenty-third of my wedded existence.
I had hoped to spend this day with your dear mother and my darling children, but my promotion to the Fifth Corps and the number of generals that have been sent to testify before the
