Washington, February 18, 1862.
My dear sister:
I have not had time to write you a word since I received
orders to go to Poolesville. I have sent for a small steam-tug used on the
canal; as soon as it arrives I shall be off. I am very proud to think that
General McClellan should think me worthy of such a command. But I enter upon
the duties with a great deal of diffidence. It is a large command (thirteen
thousand men), occupying an important position, and, I fear, above my capacity;
however, I shall do my best. Captain Sedgwick goes with me as one of my aides.
I will write as soon as I reach there. Do not write again till you hear from
me. I believe there is a daily mail from this city to Poolesville, my station.
I never dreamed of having a command one fourth larger than General Scott
conquered Mexico with. I wish they were as good troops, and I should feel safe.
The news from Kentucky and Missouri is glorious. Bull Run is
revenged.
Yours in haste,
J. S.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 38
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