My Dearest Julia,
I hope this finds you well. I am sorry that I have not been able
to write as often as I would like but the conduct of the war has kept me well
occupied.
First let me say that Fred is hale and hearty. I saw he just the
other day. His actions and gallantry at Molino Del Rey has led to talk that he
will be breveted Captain. I am sure your parents will be proud. He is an example
to all of us who serve with him. But then you know he has been an example to me
ever since we served together at the point. If I can be only half the soldier
that he is I would be a fine soldier indeed.
I hope that you have not be concerned over any talk you might have
heard about my own actions at the recent engagement at Chapultepec.
I have
been fortunate to make the acquaintance of several excellent officers in the
past few months. In particular I enjoyed meeting Major Robert E. Lee who is the
son of the famous Revolutionary War Hero Light Horse Harry Lee. He is part of
the aristocracy of the army and will go far above the likes of me. But he was
gracious and kind in our discourse and I would be happy to serve under his
command when we return to the States.
