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transportation of supplies, just as the Erie Canal is so essential to bring to market the grain of the West . . . .
March 18, 1865
This morning I sent you a telegraph, which may be rather late, I fear, though I sent it at the earliest chance.
It was to ask you to pay a day's visit here, and see the army, as a curiosity.
Mrs. Meade is coming with a party in a special boat from Washington . . . .
You probably are aware that yesterday was the nativity of the Holy Patrick, in whose honor the Irish Brigade, of the 2d Corps, got up a grand race, with a printed programme and every luxury.
The weather, which had been most evil the night before, unexpectedly cleared up and the day was fine, exceedingly.
We found the course laid out near the Cummings house, in rear of what you remember as the noted Peeble house.
There was a judge's stand, flaunting with trefoil flags, and a band beside the same, which had been accommodated with a couple of waggons, in lieu of orchestra.
Then there were plenty of guards (there need be no lack of such) and a tent wherein were displayed plates of sandwiches.
Alas! this was the weak point, the bitter drop in the Irish festa.
The brigade, with an Irish generosity, had ordered a fine collation, but the steamer, bad luck to her, had gone and run herself aground somewhere, and poor Paddy was left to eat his feast the day after the fair.
Nevertheless, we didn't allow such things to stand in the way, and the races proceeded under the august auspices of General Humphreys, who didn't look exactly like a turfman, and had a mild look of amusement, as he read out: “Captain Brady's grey mare.” --Captain Brady bows.
“Captain--, Hey?
What is that name?
I can't read the writing.”
“Murphy,” suggests