Near Culpeper C. R., Va.
October 1st, 1863
Dear Father:
Your letter of the 23rd ult. was received a few minutes since, enclosing one from Dr. Crawford. I received a letter from Frank last Sunday, which was mailed the same day that yours was—I do not see why I did not get ours on Sunday also, I received the paper you sent containing the “Military history of John McCalmont”. I also received the last Citizen from Burgwin and Smith. Is it paid for and direct[ed] to be sent regularly? I am sorry that Ma was not pleased with her visit to McKean. I suppose she expected to see more than she did and that the people and country would look differently. I was disappointed myself when I went there and found that the home of My Father’s childhood was just like any other mountainous district in Penna. I wrote for a full account of every place and every body visited while you were away—this I shall expect from you and Ma as soon as you get rested from the journey. I have not heard from Evrill since I received the letter from Uncle Jer, which I forwarded to Rockland. How do the folks like Uncle Jer’s wife? I sent Ma some Anise seed—was it received? I also sent in a paper some Indian Peas which I got on Pony Mt. The boys gather them before quite ripe and throw the pods in the embers and ashes and roast them—they taste almost like roast chestnuts when cooked in this way. I do not know that they are especially valuable for cultivation but save them and plant next spring.
The Army is still occupying the same grounds that it did when I last wrote to you. It is weaker now than ever before—the 11th and 12th Corps started west about a week ago, so that we have now only five Corps remaining. If these were filled up to the maximum we would have a large army still, but the Regiments will not average 500 men the Army through. We have all felt solicitous about the welfare of Rosecrans since his defeat, but he is being reinforced rapidly and heavily—we think that the two Corps which left us have gone to his aid (under Hooker) which will amount to about 25,000 men. [1] I see by the papers that the Division in which John Lusher and Henry Smith are, was engaged at the battle of the Chickamauga—I wonder if they are safe? You told me that Richard Chadwick was drafted but did not say whether he intended to come. I would think from Frank’s last letter that he had got to be quite a politician. Is there any chance that John S. McCalmont will be elected? Hope not. You doubtless saw an expression of the feeling of the 11th Regiment with regard to sustaining the Government, and Andy Curtin. This is but an index of the feeling of the whole Army on this subject. I wish we could vote this fall—you would be astonished at the unanimity of feeling—for we have no ”politics” here—we look at the real interested [interests] of our Country and would act accordingly—It is disgusting to us to stand off and see the people at home fighting and jangling about petty town offices while higher interests are at stake—we trust however there is ”leaven” enough in the lump to save the state.
Enclosed I sent $10 more—if received please acknowledge. When you write again please send Mary’s picture, for I would like to see what the little dear looks like now. I want Ma to write me soon. Direct to Head Quarters Pa Reserves. I enclose a note to Frank.
Your affectionately,
James
Next posting: October 7, 2013
Jonathan E. Helmreich
College Historian
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA 16335
[1] Rosecrans suffered a serious defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga, near Chattanooga, September 19-20, 1863.