Headquarters Army Potomac,
Camp near Falmouth, March 16, 1863.
Dear Father, — . . . I was very glad to hear General Sedgwick speak so highly of General Benham as he did. He said that he considered him the smartest man in the army, although he thought he did not possess so much general information as some others. General S., General Hooker, and General Benham were classmates at West Point. I think General B. may have a corps, although I do not want you to say anything about this. I see no chance of any move for some time.
I tried to get Henry Ropes on General B.’s staff, but he did not wish to leave his regiment. I do not know whom to get now. Almost all my friends are captains. . . .
I have very little to do at present, except read and write, and ride about to see my friends. I am reading a French book, among other things.
I have got a cook and everything in regard to our mess fixed. We take two meals a day, breakfast at eight, and dinner at five. . . .
I hear that General Porter is to be made Street Commissioner in New York. I hope it is true.
I called on General Barnes the other day, and also on my regiment. I am glad I did not get on Meade’s staff. From what I can learn, I do not think he is a very pleasant man to be with. . .
