Washington May 1, 1861
My dear wife
I am very glad to receive my clothes by S. Rankin Esq who arrived safely last night. I had really become rather shabby in my feelings if not in appearance.
I will now be able to dress up when I go to call on friends. I think you acted very properly in not sending the trunk. There is no doing much with papers these times. When the crisis is over here I will go direct home so I can take up the papers about as I left them. The extra cession of Congress will not last long so it may be I can he at home a considerable portion of the summer. I remain attached to the Seventh New York Regiment of course doing as I please but apparently very populer in the regiment. I shall at the same time attend to our Iowa matters as carefully as possible. James’ papers were sent forward day before yesterday. Papers for John St______us [?] were ordered yesterday. I suppose Howels P.O. papers were sent some days ago but the matters of Bogata is not yet acted on. I will write Howell as to that very soon1
I was very much vexed to find that a man by the name of Taylor of Ohio has been appointed Register at Omaha. I have not yet seen the President but feel like giving him my mind on the subject.
The President has not as much Sagacity as I could wish. He is more of a joker than thinker.
I have just received and read yours of the 25th and Henrys of the 18th You were still ignorant of my way of coming. Since we pressed our way through Maryland a great change seems to be coming over the spirit of their dreams. I hope Maryland will persistently decline the honor of being made the slaughter ground for this eventful struggle. It will be a just tribute to the loyalty of Govr Hix2 and probably save this Capitol as the Capitol of the republic even after a final seperation of the republic shall be established.
The result in Maryland may be attributed mainly to the prudence energy and success of our landing at Annapolis and successful openning of the way through to Head quarters.
Goodril writes that he wants me to pay Henry Love Tell him I have no means of any consequence now in N York to draw on and cannot draw till Congress meets—nor then till appropriation can be made So I cannot pay that note. Besides I have got a judgement deferred on a promise to pay which will come upon me in the form of an execution from Ft Madison if I am not wide awake.
Indeed I am very much embarrassed in regard to several debts and must look out for losses
Sadie was complaining yesterday, but is generally quite well. I expect to meet her and Miss Mary at 5 at the Presidents grounds where the Seventh N York band is expected to perform
I am very well & evg-
Affectionately yours
Saml R. Curtis
1. James B. Howell, succeeded Richard McAllister as postmaster of Keokuk in May, 1861, served until 1866. Howell later served the unexpired term of James W. Grimes when the latter resigned from the Senate in 1870.
New Granada, later Columbia, had as its Minister George W. Jones of Dubuque, Iowa. Jones, a Democrat, was certain to be replaced. Howell apparently was in hopes that as an Iowan he was eligible for the appointment.
2. Thomas H. Hicks, governor of Maryland 1857-1861; U. S. Senator 1862-1865.