I had just bought a horse when I received your letter of the 15th. A strong chunky, good sized bay, $250. He is the first one that I have seen since I have been looking—nearly a year—that suited me. I think he is what I want & Mary likes him. I am sorry you have had your trouble in the matter for nothing.

I am very glad indeed to hear of Bertha’s engagement and shall hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Niles here. I suppose no man will be allowed to marry during the war but it does not interrupt engagements.

We are full of fight. I am organizing a home-guard on the park & shall [have] above a hundred enrolled & under drill this afternoon.

My resignation and all that is before a Committee this week. If they throw me off, I shall volunteer for the navy & you must take care of my wife & children—unless you go too.

I have told my men that I consider it a religious duty to strengthen the government by any means in my power, therefore they will be required to muster & drill every Sunday.

Dallas has applied for a Commission from the government & Hawkes yesterday joined the 7th Regiment. They are both Southerners by birth & association. In fact, as far as I can see, the impulse of patriotism sweeps everything before it. We are talking of making you a visit; not to see horses, but to hang some of your arms manufacturers, unless you take care of them.