Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Major John Sedgwick to his Sister, November 30, 1860

Fort Wise, Big Timbers,
November 30, 1860.
My dear sister:

A mail will leave here in the morning, in which I will start this note, but there are some doubts whether it will succeed in getting through; the snow is very deep, and it is very cold, and for nearly two hundred miles there is not a stick of wood. We have to-day heard, by way of Denver, the result of the election. It seems to have been all on one side. The news was brought by a messenger, and I suppose cannot be accurately relied on. He says Douglas has not carried a State. I can scarcely conceive this to be true. Hurrah for Lincoln! I say. It is not likely that our next mail will bring us the result, as our latest dates are up to October 19. I shall send to Fort Larned in a few days for a mail, where I expect to hear more than is agreeable. I am still living in a tent, which is rather cold at night, and the weather is such that we can do but little work on our quarters. A few pleasant days would enable us to finish them.

It has been a long time since I have heard from you. I do not recollect the last date, but it was in August or early in September. I hope the next mail will bring two or three letters. I have never mentioned the subject of our seat in the church. I wish you to keep the one our father and mother always occupied. It is for yourself and Philo's family, whenever they choose to take it. Also the seat in the Hollow Church. This I would pay for as a matter of charity.

Write often, and believe me, as ever,

Your affectionate brother,

John Sedgwick

SOURCE: George William Curtis, Correspondence of John Sedgwick, Major-General, Volume 2, p. 28-9

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