Alexandria, Virginia,
January 15, 1862.
My dear sister:
General Burnside has sailed with his expedition, but to what
point is still unknown to the many. When the expedition was first started the
intention was to have it operate with the army here on the Potomac; but it has
since been increased to three times the size it was originally intended to be.
The general impression seems to be that it is to land to operate against
Norfolk, or near by on the North Carolina coast. We shall probably know before
you receive this. Did I ever tell you that Mr. Heine, Kate Sedgwick's husband,
is close by? He is a Captain of volunteers, and attached to the staff of
General Heintzelman as topographical engineer. I see him quite frequently. He
is a very pleasant and agreeable gentleman. The weather is such now, and has
been for several days past, that no move could be made, if one was in contemplation.
Several inches of snow on the ground, and still raining and sleeting. I can
only guess for myself that no great move will be made from here till the army
in front is partly broken by the expeditions already sent or that are to sail.
It is too hazardous to undertake to move such large bodies of comparatively
undisciplined men against almost equal numbers in a fortified position. Another
Bull Run, and Washington is gone. They are doing nothing in Congress except
scrambling after contracts, and other things of less importance.
I mean to come home for a few days, and as soon as I can,
but General McClellan does not want to allow any one to go. Answer immediately.
Your affectionate
brother,
J. S.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 35-6
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