City Point. Va.. August 12th, 1864.
Today is the second anniversary of my enlistment. I have been trying to look backward and compare the present with the past. I find the task a difficult one. The past two years appear like a dark chasm, into which the most startling events have been compressed; during this time the present has absorbed my attention; its hopes and fears; its prospects and bearings on the future. What a striking resemblance the past bears to the present. Then, as now, the war was nearly ended. Then, as now, the Rebels were on “short rations,” and would soon be “starved out;” then, as now, a blow was about to be struck that “would break the back of the rebellion.” Six hundred thousand men were needed to “close up the rebellion.” “One short campaign would end the rebellion.” Today five hundred thousand men are needed for the same purpose. We are whistling that same old tune today, with as much gusto, and for the same purpose—”to keep our courage up.”
Should this nation act as foolish as our editors and politicians talk, we will be the “laughing stock” of the world. In view of the past, humility would be more becoming than arrogance. I do not believe this Nation will be dissevered and a slave oligarchy built upon the ruins of Liberty. I do not believe that a people, with almost unlimited resources, and that can muster three millions of men to fight its battles, will ever succumb to treason. Much as I love peace and hate, even to loathing, everything that pertains to war, never would I give up the struggle. At first, before the war began, I was in favor of a convention of the people to decide the vexed question of secession, and, if the people of the South desired it, I was ready to bid them go in peace, and enjoy, to the full, their sin and shame.
As much has been said of Grant’s genius for strategy, and the skill and secrecy with which he executes his movements, I will record a specimen. The night before last, at dusk, the Christian Commission was notified that six hundred sick from the Second Corps would soon arrive. In the morning the entire corps made its apearance at the Point. A fleet of transports was in waiting to take them somewhere. It was night before all had embarked, and during the day many officers and men came here for food.
All said they were going to catch Early. At dusk they steamed down the river a few miles, and anchored until the moon went down. Then they turned around and steamed up the river to Drury’s Bluff, where, at daylight, the sharp report of their rifles could be heard.
