CUMBERLAND,
MARYLAND, March 5, 1865.
DEAREST: — General
Sheridan has got together all the four-footed beasts of this
region and mounted his last trooper. They are gone to try to destroy
railroads and stores if possible all the way to Lynchburg. We are
thinking of nothing else just now. The only danger is the
mud and high waters from the rains and melting snows. He is
reported to have had a good little success at Woodstock, taking four guns and four
hundred prisoners.
A few weeks will
probably produce great changes in the situation. Even a considerable disaster
to our arms now will hardly enable the Rebels to hold Richmond much longer.
Judge Johnston was
here yesterday morning. He did not take his family to the inauguration. As
things now are, I am glad you did not come. The railroad is in a
wretched condition and our forces are so weak that we are liable to
interruption at any time. General Duval will return, it is supposed, in a few
days, when I can be better spared, if I wish to go anywhere.
I do not see any
notice of Mitchell's appointment or confirmation. I fear the
announcement was premature.
Wager Swayne lost a
leg in South Carolina and is promoted to brigadier-general. General
Hancock takes General Crook's place. We rather like the new regime.
General Carroll takes General Kelley's shoes. We all like him, so far, very
much. He takes to Dr. Joe almost as much as Crook did. — Love to all the
boys and Grandma.
