I do not recollect seeing it on his saddle. I told you he had been
promoted to a major in cavalry, and is the commanding cavalry officer
on this line at present. He is as sanguine, cheerful, and hearty as
ever. I sent him some corn-meal this morning and he sent me some
butter--a mutual interchange of good things. There are but few of your
acquaintances in this army. I find here in the ranks of one company
Henry Tiffany. The company is composed principally of Baltimoreans--
George Lemmon and Douglas Mercer are in it. It is a very find company,
well drilled and well instructed. I find that our friend, J. J.
Reynolds, of West Point memory, is in command of the troops immediately
in front of us. He is a brigadier-general. You may recollect him as
the Assistant Professor of Philosophy, and lived in the cottage beyond
the west gate, with his little, pale-faced wife, a great friend of
Lawrence and Markie. He resigned on being relieved from West Point,
and was made professor of some college in the West. Fitzhugh was the
bearer of a flag the other day, and he recognised him. He was very
polite and made inquiries of us all. I am told they feel very safe
and are very confident of success. Their numbers are said to be large,
ranging from 12,000 to 30,000, but it is impossible for me to get
correct information either as to their strength or position. Our
citizens beyond this are all on their side. Our movements seem to be
rapidly communicated to them, while theirs come to us slowly and
indistinctly. I have two regiments here, with others coming up. I
think we shall shut up this road to the Central Railroad which they
strongly threaten. Our supplies come up slowly. We have plenty of
beef and can get some bread. I hope you are well and are content.
I have heard nothing of you or the children since I left Richmond.
You must write there.... The men are suffering from the measles, etc.,
as elsewhere, but are cheerful and light-hearted. The atmosphere,
when it is not raining, is delightful. You must give much love to