Camp Pierpont, Feb’y 21, 1862
Dear Father:-
Yours dated the 12th has been received. It found me well with the exception of a sore arm in consequence of vaccination. All the Rockland boys in the 10th Regt. are well as usual.
We are now expecting a move before long—the troops are being held in readiness, but it may be days or even weeks before we will move.
There is an order that the birthday of Washington, to-morrow, shall be celebrated by the Army of the Potomac by firing a National Salute and listening to the Declaration of Independence and the Farewell Address of Washington. There is a rumor that the rebels intend attacking us to-morrow, but General McClellan thinks it very doubtful.
I shall be disappointed if I am not home by the 4th of July. The war cannot last much longer. A few more victories following Port Royal, Dranesville, Mill Spring, Roanoke, Romney, Forts Henry and Donelson and the backbone of the Confederacy will be completely broken, if not already.[1]
Perhaps we shall have to fight a well-contested battle again at Manassas, but this time we will be victors. You cannot imagine the enthusiasm which prevails among the men. The Army of the Potomac would be perfectly irresistible. Surely the regiments now forming in the different States will never be mustered into the service of the United States.
The roads are still in very bad condition, so much mud.
My love to Mother and all the children. Yours affectionately,
James
Next posting: February 27, 2012
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[1] Grant took Fort Donelson in Tennessee in a battle that extended from February 11 to February 16, 1862.