Headquarters Third Brigade, Jan. 23, 1862,
Dear Father:-
Yours of the 13th received on the 19th.
You misunderstood me in reference to General McDowell. It is thought he will take command of the Army of the Potomac, not supersede McClellan. McClellan will retain command of all the Federal Armies still.
Three or four regiments came over the river within the last week through the mud and rain. An order has been issued at Headquarters of the Army that no more furloughs or leaves of absence be granted except in extreme cases. “Straws show which way the wind blows.” I think there will surely be an advance made just as soon as the weather and the state of the roads will permit. You can not step out but you will be into the “sacred soil” half-way up to your knees. I never saw so much mud as we have here.
There is no prevailing sickness here—from all accounts we are more healthy here than you are at home. Providence seems to be favoring the Federal Army of the Potomac.
The 10th regt. was paid off yesterday. Col. McCalmont is still with us but I do not know how long he will remain.
I had a letter from [the Rev. Darius S.] Steadman who is Chaplain of the 105th Penna. Volunteers, Col. [Amor A.] McKnight. This is the regiment that Harvey Jolly is in and a crowd of the Richland boys. I have not been to see them yet. They are near Alexandria. I am kept very busy at my table from 8:00 A.M. and until sometimes 11:00 P.M. There is no other clerk in the A. A. General’s department now, so I have all the work to do. However, it is much better than being on duty in my company and having to do guard duty and go on piquet in the snow, mud, sleet and rain. I am always at my post and have the confidence and respect of my superiors in arms.
Have not seen Sylvanus Freeman for two or three weeks.
You will no doubt have heard of our victory in Kentucky before this reaches you, —Zollicoffer killed, etc.[i]
I think of nothing more at present. In haste,
Yours affectionately, J. D. Chadwick
Next posting: January 31, 2012
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[i] Confederate Brigadier General Felix K. Zollicoffer was killed at the January 19, 1862, Battle of Mill Springs, also known as the Battle of Logan’s Cross Roads or of Fishing Creek. Though not a large battle, the Union success here following previous success at Middle Creek significantly weakened Confederate defenses in eastern Kentucky.