Charles William Woolsey to his brother-in-law, Joseph Howland,
Wilson Small, Harrison’s Landing,
Saturday, July 12th.
Dear Joe: I saw, to-day, your adjutant, surgeon, and quartermaster; the former is much better, he says, and is going home in a day or two. He reports the 16th in good condition and in excellent spirits. This is unmistakably the case with the whole army. Exhausted and disappointed they naturally are (or were), but they have never lost heart, and the morale of our army is as good as ever. Having but little to do on the boat I have been on shore about the camps for a day or two, and have got a good idea of the strength of our position. It seems to me impregnable even without the earthworks we have thrown up at the weakest points. With these, we are very strong and can surely hold our own. Taking Richmond, however, is quite a different thing.
Send us the “Fishkill Standard” containing the account of the “ovation,” and do not stand too long poised on one leg when you harangue the assembled multitude from the Tioronda balcony.
Georgy is going home soon, and perhaps myself. Love to E.
Yours affectionately,
C. W. W.