Cairo, Illinois
September 3, 1861.
YOUR very kind letter was received at Jefferson City, and
would have been answered at once but for the remark that you were about to
start for New York city and would not receive it for some days. I should be
most pleased to have you pay me the visit here, or wherever I may be, that you
spoke of paying me there.
In regard to the appointment of Mr. Rawlins,1 I
never had an idea of withdrawing it so long as he felt disposed to accept, no
matter how long his absence. Mr. Rawlins was the first one I decided upon for a
place with me, and I very much regret that family affliction has kept him away
so long. The past would have been a good school of instruction for him in his
new duties; the future bids fair to try the backbone of our volunteers. I have
been kept actively moving from one command to another, more so perhaps than any
other officer. So long as I am of service to the cause of our country I do not
object, however.
General Fremont has seen fit to intrust me with an important
command here, my command embracing all the troops in southeast Missouri and at
this place. A little difficulty of an unpleasant nature has occurred between
General Prentiss and myself relative to rank, he refusing to obey my orders;
but it is to be hoped that he will see his error, and not sacrifice the
interest of the cause to his ambition to be senior brigadier general of Illinois,
as he contends he is.
In conclusion, Mr. Washburne, allow me to thank you for the
part you have taken in giving me my present position. I think I see your hand
in it, and admit that I had no personal claims for your kind office in the
matter. I can assure you, however, my whole heart is in the cause which we are
fighting for, and I pledge myself that, if equal to the task before me, you
shall never have cause to regret the part you have taken.
__________
1 John A. Rawlins (1831-1869), joined General
Grant's staff in August, 1861, and served with him to the close of the
rebellion. He became Secretary of War in March, 1869. Grant was greatly
attached to him, and deeply mourned his death.
SOURCE: James Grant Wilson, Editor, General Grant’s Letters to a Friend 1861-1880, p. 1-2 & 111
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