William Patterson.
"Scratch out the oath, Jarrow. He is writing to a lady, nor should it be used to a man. The next."
My dear Fitzhugh,—Papers, reports, etc., will give you the details. Suffice it, that we've had a lovely time. A minie drew some blood from me—not much, and spilt in a good cause. As you see, I am writing with my left hand—the other arm's in a sling. The army's in the highest spirits—South going North on a visit.
All the grey bonnets are over the border!
We hear that all of you in and about Richmond are in excellent health and spirits, and that in the face of the Young Napoleon! Stronger, too, than he thinks. We hear that McDowell is somewhere between you and Fredericksburg. Just keep him there, will you? We'd rather not have him up here just yet. Give my love to all my cousins. Will write from the other side of the water.
Yours as ever,
Peter Francisco.
P. S. Of course this is not official, but the impression is strong in the army that the defensive has been dropped and that the geese in the other Capitol ought to be cackling if they are not.
Jarrow drew the whole together. "I thought the three would be enough, sir. I never like to overdo."
"You have the correct idea, Jarrow. Bring the boy in, Gold. I want the bag captured early to-morrow."