March 26, 1864.
. . . To-day has been cloudy, with high winds. The snow has
entirely disappeared, except from the slopes of the Blue Ridge, which strange
to say is plainly visible from here though twenty miles distant. Unless more
rain or snow falls the roads here will soon be in good condition. I feel much better
of my cough and when I see you again I hope to be entirely recovered from it.
Nothing new here. No information comes from the enemy's lines to break the dull
monotony that seems to prevail throughout this entire army. It is greatly
different I assure you from what it was out West. There we were always getting
some information that kept up an excitement and made it seem that we were doing
something. I trust, however, that this monotony will soon be broken by the
movement of the unbroken columns of this splendidly equipped and well fed army
of veterans against the famed Army of Northern Virginia. For if it fights as it
feels, success must attend its next advance towards Richmond. Every day gives
me hope of triumph to our country in the impending conflict. One decisive
victory here will go far towards the consummation of the Patriot's hope.
The General goes in the morning to Washington but will
return the next day and the talk is now that on Wednesday of the coming week,
he and I will visit the army of General Butler. Colonel Bowers and all the
members of the staff except Colonel Duff and Captain Badeau have arrived. Our
horses and baggage came through safely. Mrs. Grant was to visit the White House
to-day. Captain Badeau, who is familiar with Washington society and manners,
remained to accompany her. I have no doubt she will be greatly delighted. I
send you enclosed a photograph of Colonel T. S. Bowers, with his autograph. . .
.
SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins,
p. 405-6
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