Culpepper C. H., April 14, 1864.
. . . Spring seems really to be here, but it has brought
with it no ploughman to “turn the glebe afield.” All is barrenness and
desolation. The houses of the happy people who once enjoyed their possessions
here, stand solitary and alone. No fences surround them to turn aside the
horseman from his path of pleasure or of war. How blessed are the people of the
North compared to these. Of this you have had personal experience. Would to God
that the lessons war teaches a people whom it visits could be truly appreciated
by those who have not seen its footprints on their own farms. They could then
better understand what we are fighting for, and would with greater alacrity
rally to the support and maintenance of the Government left them by Washington
and his compeers.
Be assured, I am not one of earth's gloomy children, looking
ever to the dark clouds. I am among the most hopeful. When a boy none pictured
life more fair and full of pleasure, none looked forward to hope for happiness,
with more eagerness or boyish glee, than I. In all this I have not changed. The
pleasures of home and the happiness to be found in the bosom of my family alone
I estimate above all earthly goods. . . .
Enclosed I send you the telegraphic despatch from the
Honorable E. B. Washburne, informing me of my confirmation by the Senate. It is
just received, and I have no doubt will make your heart glad. I assure you it
pleases me, for while I never sought the rank, yet after having had it
conferred upon me by appointment, I should have felt badly if I had been
rejected by the Senate, especially when I have striven with whatever ability I
possess to serve my country. You can see in all this Mr. Washburne's warm friendship
for me. Enclosed also I hand you two letters from him to me, one dated December
21st, 1861, in reference to General Grant, and one written January 6th, 1862,
in reply to mine answering his of December 21st.s My letter was a detailed
statement on the subject to which his alludes. These letters you will not fail
to preserve. . . . I confide in you
everything. The General is still in Washington, but telegraphs he will be here
to-morrow. I am much better than for two or three days past, but not yet well. My
appetite is returning, and when it is good I am generally in fair health. . . .
SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins,
p. 416-7
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