Headquarters army of the Potomac, December 18, 1863.
To-day Captain Chauncey handed me your letter of the 13th inst.
As to politics and politicians, as I never have had anything to do with them, and have personal friends in all parties, I don't see why I am to fear them now. I think I can keep them in their proper places.
Already the Tribune has charged that the gentleman in New Jersey, my correspondent, is George B. McClellan, and asks why this is not openly avowed.
I have no political aspirations.
I have the ambition to prove myself a good soldier, and intend to try to afford evidences of this to the last.
Major Jim Biddle has gone on leave; so you will hear all the latest news from the camp. Headquarters army of the Potomac, December 20, 1863.
As to the Christmas box you ask about, it is hardly necessary to send it, as the Frenchman who messes me provides me liberally with everything, and these boxes are very expensive.
I expect you will have your hands full with the children at Christmas, and I think you had better throw into this fund the amount you would expend on me for a box and mufti.
I have had several visitors recently.
One was the Chevalier Danesi, a young Sardinian officer, who has come to this country with a view of serving in our army.
The other was an English gentleman, from Liverpool, an original Union man, who desired to see our army in the field.
Danesi brought me a letter from McClellan, and the Englishman one from Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.
They both spent a day very pleasantly, and I endeavored to be civil to them.
I suppose you have seen Greeley's apology about the New Jersey letter.
After he found it was written to a loyal Republican, he changed his tune about the character of its contents.
I wonder what these people want if they are not satisfied with my services and my practical devotion to their cause?
You ask me about Grant.
It is difficult for me to reply.
I knew him as a young man in the Mexican war, at which time he was considered a clever young officer, but nothing extraordinary.
He was compelled to resign some years before the present war, owing to his irregular habits.
I think his great characteristic is indomitable energy and great tenacity of purpose.
He certainly has been very successful, and that is nowadays the measure of reputation.
The 