59th Illinois Infantry

Item LTR-7393

Description

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


August 30th 1862

My dear Wife,

Your three letters of the 19th, 21st, & 24th have just been read and reread with great pleasure. My table is full of letters to answer and I cannot write much. I only want to tell you that the prospects look very favorable for me to get home by the 1st of January and perhaps a great deal sooner. Mr. Brooks writes me word that General Meigs thinks that the ram fleet will have to be turned over to the Navy as the appropriations will all be expended by the last of October, but speaks in the highest terms of their services.

I have determined to muster out three of the stern wheel boats which will reduce expenses $15000 per month and as we have not spent but $10000 per month, the appropriations thus far, there will be plenty of funds by this measure without further appropriation to pay all our expenses up to January or February. If, however, the fleet should be turned over to the Navy, which will only be done to prolong its existence in consequence of the exhaustion of the fund appropriated, then I will at once resign, for nothing will induce me to permit myself to be placed under the command of Davis, or any who are likely to be his successor. I will continue to cooperate with him pursuing my own independence of action, but never be subject to his order. The gunboat influence is all being put to work to draw my little fleet into the Navy. The object is easily to be seen. They want to attach the credits I have won to the standard of the Navy and for the future, hamper me with the mantle of their own inaction. I see all that is going on and understand it all. I should not be surprised it they succeed in their purpose before I obtain the promised rank. I do not want anybody to see this, nor know what I suspect.

I have a skewed suspicion that I shall have to go to Cairo in about two or three weeks from this time. If so, I will telegraph for you to join me there unless I can run up home for a few days to see you, which I would prefer. I shall be very sorry if Eddie comes down on the Queen. I did not wish him to leave for a month yet, but I know that he would not be satisfied to remain at home while the fleet was doing anything. Goodbye, with love to all.

Truly your husband,

Alfred W. Ellet