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Qr. Mr.'s Dept. 2d Brigade March 22d 1862.
My Kind Friend -
I do not wonder that you and and Mary think me dilatory in answering your truly excellent letters. The fact is that I cannot sit down and write for hours without interruption as I used to while in the Qr. Mr.'s office. Besides I have not the conveniences for writing I had then and worse than all I seem to be every body's Dog and have to run at their whistle. Capt. Foster called on me for everything, even to a provision return. Genl. Brooks called on me twice to do writing for him and employed me several days each time. Capt. [Betherell?] has sent for me several times. All this besides my duties in the Regiment. I am unpardonably late in acknowledging the reception of your last, but be assured it was very welcme. Herafter though I may not write long letters, I will try to be more prompt. I wrote to Mary a few days since. I could only write a short letter then. No ink, no stand. It is reducing me to great straits. These privations I will bear cheerfully, but hope I shall not have to endure them long. I hope we shall be at home in season to celebrate the 4th of July, though I want to stay here till every rebel is whipped. How glad every true friend of Freedom is that justice, though tardy is being done Fremont
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How shameful and deleterious to our cause was his removal. Had he been left to pursue his own plans Missouri would have been cleared of rebels long ago, and he now far down the River, in New Orleans perhaps. I regard him the ablest General of the War. How appropriate that the great Pathfinder should command the [underline]Mountain[underline] Department. The revolution in Public opinion in the last year is great. All parties North are a unit in the prosecution of the war. Slavery must be sacrificed. Fremont's Emancipation policy substantially is now embodied among the articles of war, and slaves who reach our lines reach freedom. As Christian's burden [sobbed?] off at the cross, as the manacles of the slave fall from his limbs when he reaches the Army of Freedom. Mason & Dixon's line is going southward. Slavery in the District of Columbia is virtually abolished and President Lincoln has opened the way for the emcipation of every slave. Wendell Phillips can now proclaim his obnoxious doctrines unmolested in the city of Washington, and the Vice President descending from his chair of State, does him [sore?] homage on the floor of the Senate. Truly a great change is taking place and all things portend the speedy death of the great cause of all our woe. If the death of slavery is the result of our present efforts, who can regret the loss off blood and treasure? True homes have been desolated and the burden of debt will rest heavily on this and the next geeration, but we have succeed in killing the Vampire which was [encling?] our nation's life blood. The price is fearful, but the bargain is a good one at any price. It is the price not only of emancipation, but of law, order, good government, prosperity national and individual personal security and free speech in all parts of the Union and last but not least of a feeling of pride while abroad and not shame for our truly free institutions.
We expect to leave this camp soon. We shall probably go down the River but when we shall pull up I can't tell. Willie or I will let you know as soon as we get there. I am sorry to hear of Horace's accident. Hope he wil soon be up. It is dangerous to be a child. I think you are having snow enough this winter. Am almost glad I am not at home now to freeze. I heard by late letters that my people are well. Sister Delia is also well. I shall be with Willie a few days now. I see so little of him while in the company that it will be a real treat to be with him. I must close this now. I hope it will find you well. With the best of wishes I am as ever
Thy Friend,
Henry
