Jefferson Barracks Mo.
Sept. 2, 1861
My dear wife
I have received your nice basket of plums and cake by express. The plums are some of them decayed but the major part are fresh and beautiful. The cake too is nice and plump but a little smeared over with plum juice. I will distribute the contents among friends who will appreciate them quite as well as I can.
Nothing important has transpired here since I wrote you. We had a sword presentation to Col Ellis of the is Mo Cavelry by the officers of his Regiment The Col was quite overwhelmed and could only say “I hope if I disgrace this bright emblem I may be pieced to the hear with a sharper one.” A sharp speech you perceive. The Col looks daggers however, and I have no doubt he will make his mark. I have labored considerably in geting up his regiment which is now nearly ready for service. The Colonel has presented me with a beautiful pair of silver spurs.
I have just been informed that an order has been made out relieving me from this post and I suppose it directs me to report to Head Quarters in St Louis. Genl Polk [Pope] goes up North to fix up the troubles on the Hannibal road which his contributive order only made worse as I predicted it would.1 Indeed matters do not seem to improve in Missouri save in the increases of Military force.
The martial law2 has not yet been sufficiently tested and under the order restricting the military action in carrying it out I do not think it can make much show. The abolition Clause will make more noise than any thing and when we go south if the Negroes get a knowledge of it the effect may be serious. It will help to increase the cry of “Fremont and freedom” that so alarmed the South in 1856. In that view of the matter I would not be surprised at stirring consequences; but without that clause martial law would not be perceived.
I see by the papers you now have troops in Keokuk and I hope our citizens will not be required to do any more guard duty. The insinuations of the Hawkey[e]l3 that your pains are to get the depot is almost diabolical.
It is enough for our people to stand guard over this state and the states honor without being sneered at by cowards that skulk away from scenes of danger just to give a little patronage to a pitiful pack of pusillaminous whelps that have lost the public advantages that once gave them power.
It is very hot this evening. It had been cool and fall like to day but now it is so warm I will postpone the completion of my letter till tomorrow.
Sept 3d
My orders for being relieved at this post are said to be made out. Of course this is necessary as my command has dwindeled down to such insignificance as to make it unnecessary for a Brigadier to remain here. I see too that General Pope who has been staying in the city is now ordered up north and I presume I will again be directed to remain near the Commanding General.
However this may be I shall follow my orders which I look for this evening.
Capt. McAllister, my Commissary, has been sick for a week or ten days in the city, and has now come down and is spending his time with me. He is convalescent but quite poorly yet. We had the cake and plums at dinner and enjoyed them very much.
Sept 4
This letter runs along very well. I have just received Henrys letter of the 30th giving news of his safe arrival home &c He erred in writing Secry of War instead of Genl L. Thomas Adt Genl. But it matters nothing. He needs no further orders but may report at any time to Genl Fremont as Capt. Rankin4 did when he was down here. But there is no hurry about it. Henry says you would like to visit me while I am down here. Of course I will not be here long enough, but will expect you all ready to come down soon enough to visit me at St Louis before we move South.
How are you progressing with the packing up business?
It is exceedingly dull at this camp although the Post duties keep me very busy. Captain McAllister is still quite poorly and I fear yet he may have prolonged fever.
I hope Genl Pope has gone into the matter of fighting the rebels in N Missouri to some purpose before this time. It is certain matters have been poorly managed heretofore.
Give my love to all
Affectionately yours
Saml R. Curtis
1. Gen. John Pope in an order of July 21, 1861, declared that all residents within five miles of any bridge, culvert, and railroad track damaged or willfully destroyed by southern sympathisers, would he held liable for costs of repair, etc. See Official Records, 1st ser., 3, 404-404.
2. Fremont’s declaration of Aug. 30, 1861.
3. Rivalry between Burlington and Keokuk as the rendevous points for the first Iowa regiments was keen, as were the contests for designation as supply centers and hospital bases for federal troops.
4. John W. Rankin.