Washington Feby 19. 1861
My dear wife
While the Navy bill is being discussed I will say a few words to you. I was agreeably surprised last night at the arrival of Uncle Johnny who steped into my room as fresh and fair as a young girl of ten years. He is going the rounds today I suppose I left him with Mr Harlan this morning
The town is filling up with strangers, generally seeking office. The news from St. Louis giving the news of the election there going strong for the Union creates quite a censation. I hope the news may be corroberated everywhere. In the mean time the peace Conference is trying to get something through that body that will hold Virginia; for she seems to be doubtful yet. A great noise was made here this morning because we tried to get a bill through authorising the President to call out the Militia in case of insurrection.
I see we will have trouble in spite of all peace measures and Union sentiments. The Cotton Confederacy seems pretty well organized and they are making preparations for war on rather a large scale. Every step of the kind makes them more and more irreconsilable. The question of the border states is different. Secession with them is a little more of a practical danger and therefore the hesitation
If however the border states are going to prevent us from executing the laws they were better out than in.
I see by your last letter that we said but little about Henrys trip homeward He did not himself determine as to whether he would go to Keokuk and we could not therefor advise you. No doubt he will give you satisfactory reasons for not availing himself of such an occasion.
We were much delighted with Caddies letter to Sadie She talks about little things we like to hear. As to my letters how can you expect me to go into little matters when I am so overwhelmed with matters which seem to involve the whole country.
I am glad to see the time still shortens, and the day of inaugeration is close at hand. We will then have to leave matters with the new executive who I am sorry to see will come into power surrounded by revolution and very little power to repel foes.
Kiss little Caddie for Pa and give my love to all our friends.
Affectionately yours
Saml. R. Curtis