Camp Tennally, September 30, 1861
Dear Mother:
I received a note from Father yesterday enclosing one from Bingham and also a printed one from you. I was glad to get even that, but would prize more highly a letter written by your own hand. Couldn’t you write one? I hope you will get on those three pairs of “specs” and try it some day when you have time. Please do.
No doubt you will receive this in the same mail Father gets the letter I wrote to him a day or two since. Nothing of much importance has transpired except that our forces have been moved forward and occupied Munson’s Hill. We have been under marching orders again. The Rebel General [Joseph E.] Johnston at Leesburg is reported to have commenced to advance toward General [Nathaniel P.] Banks with the supposed intention of attacking him. We are to be ready any minute to fall in and march in the words of Genl. McCall. I do not know how soon we may be called upon to go, perhaps soon and maybe not for some time. The boys are all well except Sam Ross. He has been in the Hospital for about six weeks with rheumatism. Is almost as poor as he can be and as much an invalid and cripple as old Uncle Davey Jolley. He can walk but very little and that not without his cane.
Father wished to know something about General McClellan’s religious opinions. I believe he is not a Church member and not as religious as generally represented. I have seen him a dozen times since I left home. He is a very handsome man. I will send a picture of him when I run across a good one.
I wish Bing would write if Frank won’t.[1] Bing’s letter contained more news than any of the letters I have received since I have been in the service, considering the size of it.
I must close. Give my love to all and believe me,
Your affectionate son, James.
P.S. When Father writes again I want him to send me three of my lithographs. He can roll them up so they will not break and send them by mail. Jas.
Next posting: October 19, 2011
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[1] Francis Carroll, born December 22, 1840, was the brother closest to James in age, being four years younger.