2nd United States Light Artillery

Item LTR-10427

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Camp at Manassas Junction

November 16, 1862

Dear Father,

I have not received any letter form you since we left Miner’s Hill. Except an old one dated October 18th. Of course, you have written but they have not got here yet. Well, McClellan is gone from us. I am sorry to say. I think he is the best man in the country to lead an army. But for the 3rd time “Old Abe’s” courage has failed and again he yields to the damned politicians of the fanatical school. What they expect to gain is more than I can see. They complain of inactivity and just as the army commences to move, they take away a leader in whom all have the utmost confidence. Why? The Abolitionists never meant the “Mac” should take Richmond.

The Prince De Joinville explains fully the reasons why he failed in the summer campaign and shows where the responsibility rests. Those in power force him to leave the Peninsula when he promised to take the place in three days. To all of his entreaties, they lent a deaf ear and to his lust replied, “General Halleck has gone to bed, you have your orders and must obey them.” Little Mac foretold the consequences of that movement and alas! Too truly.

Again, they refuse to let him go to Centreville even in the capacity of a silent spectator probably fearing he might detract something from the glory of Major General Pope. They told McClellan at that time, “All is going well.” He knew and replied that he thought all was not well and the Army of the Potomac (at least) would not fight any of the worse for his being amongst them. Pope was whipped as might be expected and Washington was once more in danger. McClellan was again called upon and once more saved the Capitol with an army worn out and disorganized by long marches and its late defeat. He proceeded to meet and conquer a foe elated with success – a string hardly equaled in history.

He is found fault with for not reinforcing Harper’s Ferry. Please read the report of the investigating committee carefully. Said committee ventures to censure “Mac” and yet they upon the evidence bought before them decide that the place was not defended properly – that Miles neglected to fortify Maryland Heights and could have held out much longer if he had done so. And that at the time he surrendered his force was virtually relieved and succored by Franklin’s and Sumner’s Divisions, sent by McClellan for this purpose. Does not that look a little like envy. I hope to God that McClellan will live to write the history of the Army of the Potomac and not fail to show how he has been fettered.

I suppose we will join General Hooker’s “Army Corps” sometime this week. The order is already out for the commander of this division to report to him and we will probably march before long. I shall be glad to go.

I went out a little while yesterday and killed 6 gray squirrels. There is plenty of wild turkeys about here. But they are wild and I have not been able to get a shot at the yet.

I will write again soon. Remember me to all the friends.

Love to Mother, Sabra and Grandmother.

From your affectionate son,

I. Arnold, Jr.