Springfield, [Illinois]
April 29th, 1861.
DEAR SISTER:
I CAME to this place several days ago, fully expecting to
find a letter here for me from father. As yet I have received none. It was my
intention to have returned to Galena last evening, but the Governor detained
me, and I presume will want me to remain with him until all the troops are
called into service, or those to be so called, are fully mustered in and
completely organized. The enthusiasm throughout this state surpasses anything
that could have been imagined three weeks ago. Only six regiments are called
for here, while at least thirty could be promptly raised. The Governor, and all
others in authority, are harassed from morning until night with patriotic men,
and such political influence as they can bring, to obtain first promises of
acceptance of their companies, if there should be another call for troops. The
eagerness to enter companies that were accepted by the Governor, was so great
that it has been impossible for Commanders of companies to keep their numbers
within the limits of the law, consequently companies that have arrived here
have all had from ten to sixty men more than can be accepted. The Legislature
on Saturday last passed a bill providing for the maintenance and discipline of
these surplus troops for one month, unless sooner mustered into service of the
United States under a second call. — I am convinced that if the South knew the
entire unanimity of the North for the Union and maintenance of Law, and how
freely men and money are offered to the cause, they would lay down their arms
at once in humble submission. There is no disposition to compromise now. Nearly
every one is anxious to see the
Government fully tested as to its strength, and see if it is not worth
preserving. The conduct of eastern Virginia has been so abominable through the
whole contest that there would be a great deal of disappointment here if
matters should be settled before she is thoroughly punished. This is my
feeling, and I believe it universal. Great allowance should be made for South
Carolinians, for the last generation have been educated, from their infancy, to
look upon their Government as oppressive and tyrannical and only to be endured
till such time as they might have sufficient strength to strike it down.
Virginia, and other border states, have no such excuse and are therefore
traitors at heart as well as in act. I should like very much to see the letter
Aunt Rachel wrote Clara! or a copy of it. Can't you send it?
When I left Galena, Julia and the children were very well.
Jesse had been very sick for a few days but was getting much better. I have
been very anxious that you should spend the summer with us. You have never
visited us and I don't see why you can't. Two of you often travel together, and
you might do so again, and come out with Clara. I do not like to urge anything
of the kind, lest you should think that I ignored entirely the question of
economy, but I do not do so. The fact is I have had my doubts whether or not it
would not be more prudent for all of you to lock up and leave, until the
present excitement subsides. If father were younger and Simpson strong and
healthy, I would not advise such a course. On the contrary, I would like to see
every Union man in the border slave states remain firm at his post. Every such
man is equal to an armed volunteer at this time in defence of his country.
There is very little that I can tell you that you do not get from the papers.
Remember me to all at home and write to me at once, to this
place.
BROTHER ULYSSES.
SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of
Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 27-30
