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so afraid they would not let him come with us, and was never happier than when at last he sprang into the carriage free to go with us for forty-eight hours. “Oh!”
he exclaimed in a sort of rapture, “this pays for a year and a half of fighting and hard work!”
We tried hard to get the five o'clock train out to Laurel, where J.'s regiment is stationed, as we wanted to spend Sunday all together; but could not catch it, and so had to content ourselves with what we could have.
I have managed to secure a room for Fred next ours, and feel as though I had my boy at home once more.
He is looking very well, has grown in thickness, and is as loving and affectionate as a boy can be.
I have just been writing a pathetic appeal to the brigadier-general to let him stay with us a week.
I have also written to General Buckingham in regard to changing him from the infantry, in which there seems to be no prospect of anything but garrison duty, to the cavalry, which is full of constant activity.
General B. called on us last evening.
He seemed to think the prospect before us was, at best, of a long war. He was the officer deputed to carry the order to General McClellan relieving him of command of the army.
He carried it to him in his tent about twelve o'clock at night.
Burnside was there.
McClellan said it was very unexpected, but immediately turned over the command.
I said I thought he ought to have expected it after having so disregarded the President's order.
General B. smiled and said he supposed McClellan had done that so often before that he had no idea any notice would be taken of it this time.
Now, as I am very tired, I must close, and remain as always, lovingly yours,
Hatty.
