Washington July 25 1861
My dear Wife
I met a few moments ago, Col Henry Van Rentzelear1 one of Genl Scotts aids who says he carried in my name and that of Rufus King2 as appointments for Brigadiers. So that matter is a fixed fact. I was requested not to resign and [illegible] till the military bills are carried through the House. You will have seen the mean announcement made by the Tribune the thing of Fitz Henry Warren3 who has bitterly and boastfully opposed my promotion. I have said and done little or nothing for the responsibilities of such places are so great they should not be sought after.
It comes directly from the President on the recommendation of General Scott and I feel the more proud of the appointment for that reason. It is of no use for me to consider the advantage or disadvantage of thus going into another duties I am called and must go. I will draw less pay than I would if I remain in Congress and at least 3000 $ less than I would if I retained both my place in Congress and my position as Colonel. But to refuse the military appointment would never do, so I would not raise the question as to whether one or the other would be most profitable.
I am to be a Brigadier nolens volens and will resign my seat in Congress as soon as I have done all I can to secure proper military bills through Congress. I dine with General Scott to day and hope to get his views of matters very fully.
The terrible disorganization of the army caused by the foolish stampede of Sunday evening4 is being gradually overcome but things are not safe and an attack on the city to-day would be dangerous to the country.
I expect to go home by Chicago and if you are there I would be pleased to meet you I have a pass on the Rock Island road which I wish you had. By the way I will send it to you and you can use it if you desire to do so. I could send you a draft but have been so busy I have delayed it supposing you can over draw on the bank
I write in regard to your going to Chicago on the supposition that you think some of coming over there as Mr. Cox says you do.
Affectionately yours
Sam’l R. Curtis
1. Henry Van Rentzlaer, U. S. Military Academy, 1831, resigned 1832. col. and a. d. d. c. Aug. 5, 1861. Col. Inspector General Nov. 21, 1861, died in 1864.
2. Rufus King, U. S. Military Academy, 1833, resigned 1836. Commissioned brig. gen. vols. May 17, 1861, resigned Oct. 20, 1863.
3. The New York Tribune, under Fitz Henry Warren as an assistant editor, engaged in a sharp and bitter attack on the government for dilatoriness, conducted on “On to Richmond” campaign. Warren, a resident of Burlington, Iowa, shortly became Col. 1st Iowa Cav.
4. The battle of Bull Run, begun early Sunday, July 21, 1861, was “one of the best planned and worst fought” of the Civil War. Up to late afternoon the Union forces appeared assured of victory, though by evening it became a rout. See Rhodes, 3, 444-462.