Camp Near Cumberland,
May 17, 1862.
My dear sister:
Nothing has been done since I last wrote. We are slowly
moving on as fast as the roads will admit. It is no small task to take supplies
for so large an army after leaving the river, and no railroad. I think the
intention now is to move on to the railroad from West Point to Richmond, repair
the bridges, bring our supplies to that point, and from there take them by
wagon. General McClellan is acting with much prudence and caution. It is
believed that the enemy in front are quite as strong as we are, but we are
superior in the essentials — arms and supplies. The country is entirely
deserted, everything driven and carried off; a few decrepit and worthless
negroes are left in the houses. It is my opinion that it is useless to think of
a Union; the enemy is determined to destroy the army first, and not submit
then. One would think that the reverses they have lately met would discourage
them, and undoubtedly they are disheartened, but the firmness with which they
view the situation cannot but be admired. Six weeks will tell the story; in
that time we shall beat them badly or be beaten ourselves, which must settle
the question. I am anxious to make a visit home, and hope to do so in a few
months at least.
I have not received a letter from you for several days, but
frequently there are delays in bringing up the mail. We get New York papers the
day after publication, and look to them for events transpiring here. I see my
division was engaged in a desperate fight at West Point. It was a bloodless
one.
With much love to all,
I am your
affectionate brother,
J. S.
SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of
John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 46-8
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