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(1 - 2 of 2)
- Creator
- Pleasonton, Alfred, 1824-1897
- Date
- 1864-09-30
- Text
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Saint Louis, Ms. September 30, 1864 My dear Miss Carrie, I returned to this place today, & as there is some prospect of my leaving in pursuit of the rebels now making a raid in this state, I wish to say that should you address your letters to me here I will receive them, as I have made arrangements to have my letters forwarded to me. A great deal of excitement has been created here by this invasion of the "rebs,* much indeed I am inclined to think unnecessary - Some politics of...
Show moreSaint Louis, Ms. September 30, 1864 My dear Miss Carrie, I returned to this place today, & as there is some prospect of my leaving in pursuit of the rebels now making a raid in this state, I wish to say that should you address your letters to me here I will receive them, as I have made arrangements to have my letters forwarded to me. A great deal of excitement has been created here by this invasion of the "rebs,* much indeed I am inclined to think unnecessary - Some politics of course had to be mixed up in it, & to appease the feelings of angry Dutchmen who refused to fight under Gen. Blair, he has been relieved & your humble servant substituted as you will see by the enclosed order.I regret more & more to see the bitterness of feeling which pervades the political circles In this section of the country; unless it is checked or moderated it mill end in bloodshed. I am popular here at present with the fancies of these people, but they are so fickle that I expect when I least deserve it, to receive their reprobation - This will not deter me in the least from doing what I think I ought to do, for I have not much faith in public opinion in times like these - I enclose you a very pleasant letter from General Hancock; it is a good autograph, besides giving you some of the ideas of as distinguished a man as he has proved himself to be. His expression, "oh how physically wearied I am," speaks volumes of the hardships and struggles our noble soldiershave to support, show they are groaning for an honorable peace & the suppression of the rebellion - Do not think it is any breach of confidence in me to send you such letters? I know Hancock so well I am certain he would willingly consent to it . - I told Ingalls I had given his letter "to the young lady who had the ponies," as a specimen of his levity.- He laughed, & said "all right I wish you to know these men who are playing so grand a role in the country's history, as I know them - You cannot do so in a better way than by reading their letters which are characteristic - Since I left you, I have striven with my feelings for you, until I am completely vanquished - To attempt - to restrain them, only increases their power over me, & I very frankly tell you so. It is such a happiness to love you that I cease to be myselfin my thoughts of you. My late visit to Southfield is like a beautiful dream of which you are the guiding spirit - and you will always appear to me, what your generous good nature, delicacy of feeling and true loveliness of character indelibly impressed upon my memory every moment of the time - You promised to command me? Do so always, and do not forget the French proverb: ce que femme vent, Dieu le vent: Remember me in the kindest manner to Mr. and Mrs. Townsend, and give Elsie and me a kiss in remembrance of our romps together - Good night. Yours as ever, A PleasantonMiss Caroline P. Townsend, Southfield, Orange County, New York State.
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- Creator
- Hancock, Winfield Scott, 1824-1886
- Date
- 1864-09-[10]
- Text
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My Dear Pleasonton, Your favor of the 6th instance was received. I had a perfect dog fight at Ream’s Station a few days since. I was outnumbered - yet had all of my troops behaved equally well (some recruits, substitutes, etc. behaved miserably) a decided success would have been had. Had Meade been bolder, we would have won a great victory, for we had fifteen or twenty thousand men between Hill and Petersburg. [Miles & miles] of the fight (which lasted from morn til dark)] yet not a...
Show moreMy Dear Pleasonton, Your favor of the 6th instance was received. I had a perfect dog fight at Ream’s Station a few days since. I was outnumbered - yet had all of my troops behaved equally well (some recruits, substitutes, etc. behaved miserably) a decided success would have been had. Had Meade been bolder, we would have won a great victory, for we had fifteen or twenty thousand men between Hill and Petersburg. [Miles & miles] of the fight (which lasted from morn til dark)] yet not a soul was engaged but myself. It was a great misfortune. I had been ordered to withdraw but finding the enemy confronting me, notified Meade that I would fight it out until dark or until I was driven from the field. This was about 11:40 a.m. Oh how physicallywearied I am. A little rest should do great things for me, but I cannot expect it until the campaign [closes]; So Sam Grant says at least. I have no desire to command the Army of the Potomac but I know the Army pretty well: There will be changes this [winter] without doubt. I am much obliged to you for your opinion as to my [devotions] in this war. I have been devoted, self sacrificing - and more generous to individuals than I should ever get credit for. I am glad you saw Mrs. Hancock and the children at Longwood and glad to hear that Russell [presented] so well. Trusting that this civil war will soon be over and that we will then begin [worrying] ourselves. I remain as ever Truly your friend
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