Fort Monroe, Va., April 2, 1864.
. . . We arrived here yesterday about 9 A. M. The General
transacted his business with Major General Butler; reviewed some of the colored
troops camped near by; visited the ruins of Hampton; ran down to Norfolk, but
the rain setting in just as we reached the landing prevented our going ashore.
We returned here with the intention of leaving for Washington at 12 o'clock
last night, but the increased violence of the storm rendered the navigation of
the bay, with the class of steamers to which ours belongs, so dangerous that
the Captain did not venture out, and we are still here, and the storm still
raging. When it will cease I know not, but of course like everything else, and
all the storms of this world, will end some time.
Had my wishes governed, instead of reviewing troops,
visiting ruins, or running down to Norfolk, I should, when through with the
conference with General Butler, have gone back to Washington. As it is, we may
be here for two days yet. This much for having one's wife with him. If Mrs.
Grant had remained in Washington, we would not have mixed with this trip any
curiosity or pleasure not strictly in the line of duty. It is true, had not
this storm arose no time would have been lost, nor do I imagine the public interests
will suffer as it is. Still, I like of all things, to see every one at his
post. I am sure my dearest wife will never desire to be with me when it might,
by any possibility, seem to influence my judgment in what I should do in the
line of duty unless that influence is to hasten me in its performance. When a
man's wife is with him he can't help bending a little to the desire of pleasing
her, even against her protestations .. .
General W. F. Smith is assigned to duty in this Department
and will have a very large command when the spring campaign opens. This is a
place of great interest, Fortress Monroe being second to no place in the United
States in point of importance or strength, and was to the officers of the old
army prior to the rebellion, a sort of paradise, in which they all sought to be
ordered on duty. It is in this respect, however, greatly changed and the fine
and elegantly furnished officers' quarters are occupied by the volunteers who
have leaped ahead of them in rank, and in many instances, in the race of glory.
In this I mean no disparagement to them for no more loyal or devoted men can be
found anywhere than can be found among the regular officers — a loyalty a devotion, which the advantages of
a military education at West Point has enabled them to render signal service in
this our day of severest trial. I am one who admires the men of the old army,
who have stood firm, and not one of those who would malign them.
Mrs. Grant is accompanied by Mrs. General Robinson and another
lady whose name I do not remember. General Robinson, Mr. Washburne and Colonel
Comstock are also along. All are tired and praying for the abatement of the
storm, notwithstanding the courtesy of General and Mrs. Butler to every one. I
hope we shall be able to start back between this and to-morrow morning so as to
reach Culpepper by Monday's train. . . .
SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins,
p. 408-10
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