Middletown, October 1, 1862.
Dear Uncle: — Lucy is here; we are rather enjoying it. The rascally arm is very uncertain; sometimes I think it is about well, and then I have a few hours of worse pain than ever. It is, however, mending prosperously. I think I can travel comfortably by the first of next week.
I get all of your letters. Those sent to Washington have all been forwarded here.
Lejune, who has a brother in Fremont (grocery keeper), captured twenty-five rebels on the 14th!! He surrounded them! He was afterwards wounded — I think not dangerously.
You will like the President’s [Emancipation] Proclamation. I am not sure about it, but am content.
McClellan is undoubtedly the general for this army. If he is let alone, I think he may be relied on to do well. One element we of the West overlook: These troops are not any better (if so good) than the Rebels. We must have superior numbers to make success a sure thing. All things look well to me now. If we don’t divide too much among ourselves, I think we get them this winter.
We shall probably go to Columbus at first. Our boys at Uncle Boggs’ will draw us that way. My stay in Ohio will probably be about fifteen to twenty days. We must meet, of course. If necessary, I will come out to Fremont.
H.
S. BIRCHARD.
