WaSHington, August 4, 1861.
I am happy to say that we shall adjourn in two days. I am on
a select committee to investigate the causes of the loss of the Norfolk and
Pensacola Navy-Yards, and Harper's Ferry Arsenal, which will sit in the recess,
and that possibly may detain me a day or two, but I hope not. It will compel
me, however, to leave home again in October. The city is now under the most
rigid military discipline, and perfect order prevails everywhere. All have
unbounded confidence in General McClellan. There are about eighty thousand
troops in the vicinity.
John Grimes is getting well. He was blistered and dosed to
his heart's content. His trouble was the shock of a large Minieball, which
struck him in the chest, and knocked him over. The concussion, and going two
entire days without food or sleep, and the last one in a drenching rain, caused
a sort of haemorrhage of the lungs. His officers say he behaved very gallantly.
He did not shrink from any part of his duty, was the last to come in, and
brought with him, alone, the remnant of the battalion of marines.
I hope to see you soon, and I long to have the day come.
This congressional life is poor business — taking one away from all he loves,
and that can make him happy. I have a great many things to tell you about the
battle.
SOURCE: William Salter, The Life of James W. Grimes,
p. 147
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