Headquarters 1st Army Corps,
Camp at Rappahannock Station, 6 P.M., Aug. 3, 1863.
Dear Father, — I have heard nothing about my commission, and nothing about coming home. I am afraid that there is some mistake about the matter. In case any telegram or document is sent me, you had better have it directed to me at these headquarters. Of course I can take no measures about coming home until I receive official notice that I am commissioned as lieutenant colonel, or until I am ordered home by the War Department. Even if I took any such measures, no attention would be paid them, unless, as I have said, I should receive official notice.
We are settled here for some time, I think. At present we have most of our corps across the river, waiting until the railroad bridge is completed. I went out to the front day before yesterday, and saw the cavalry fight. The fighting I saw took place near Brandy Station, some six miles from here.
Our headquarters are on this side of the river and about a mile from the river.
I hope I shall hear soon from some one in regard to my commission. As soon as I do hear, I shall start for home, going from here to Washington on the railroad, which is a safe route. I shall send my horses on to New York by boat.
