1863-04-06_Letter-A_Alvord-to-MyDear

Head Quarters Maj Genl Howard April 6, 1863

My Dears Your two good letters came last evening.

Julia's I have been looking over critically—It is cer-tainly an improvement—some slight discrepencies were noticed some inelegances of [phrazes?]—But I will not now correct either— Letter writing may be much more free & easy in style—(always graphic & sketchy)— than the grave essay on some given Theme. It certainly should always avoid the blue-stocking school-madam precision. But at the same time must never [draw?] into the slang vocabulary of the vulgar. most especially if it be a lady who writes.

[sideways on left side:] P.S [Mich?] Whitman has written about coming out, & I have answered encouragingly—would he make a good Chaplain?

I am quite interested in the descriptions given. Mothers letter is rather down hearted. I am not sure but that we are all in the way of duty—were it not for this roundabout view of our case I should be downhearted too. About the future I am not disposed to worry so much about things personal, as in regard to public matters—If this sad war is settled in a permanent, loyal, peace we, as individuals, must surely find some niche—If not, then we have nothing in this world of any worth. Home, & every thing pertaining thereto—except as we might find it in a foreign land, is swept from us Sacrifices from all, in view of what is before us, has not in my judgment yet commenced. Perhaps I had better leave the army, but what, in that case, should I do? "Others can go", But, that "Others can go" has hitherto ruined us. "All" are to be now enrolled—& this

only will save us, every nerve must be strained—Better not do any thing actually about selling until I come— only as you may have some capital offer—We may not go to N. York Mr. [Aradly?] is there now & doing pretty well, not needing me at present as they write. What I shall do, is all [maintain?], as you are so dissatisfied—will rack my brains over whatever new plans I can conceive of & let you know.

In my last— I said that I sh^d be in [Btn?] (D.V.) the week before Anniversary, & enquired if you would be there—That letter you probably did not receive. I think others of mine you fail of receiving as you do not notice them in your replies.

My health is quite good—or rather about as it has been, & my work seems acceptable to the Army. Many other societies however are now

crowding in with great friends & many to work, so that per-haps I shall be relieved entirely. What shall we do in that case? If Mr. Headly answers the purpose in N. York as he promises to. I hardly seem need-ed at all—certainly not in Boston. What next? We have tried many crooks & [his?] in life. some other one, in that case, will open I have no doubt.

Have had my Chaplains meeting this morning—a tent full & could hardly stop it, such was the tide of interest. Accounts from all parts of the Army (of its moral & religious condition) are encourageing.

Affectionately as ever J. W. A

P.S. Just now rvd, a noble letter from Miss [Bannister?] with $20—