Washington
Dec 22, 1862
Dear Parents,
It is with some considerable difficulty but exceeding pleasure that I take my pencil in hand to inform you of my “place of abode” at present. Some time ago I received the ________ paper. They were brought to me on the Battlefield and although the shells and bullets were then whistling over our heads I wrote you a letter and sent it by the mare that brought our mail. There is a wide contrast in my condition then and now. I was then in full health and strength. Now scarcely able to raise in my bed and I cannot walk without aids. I am in Carver Hospital Washington which I reached the 18th.
My injury is in my left side. I am much stronger than when I first came here and if my spine is not injured I shall get along right smart.
Smith and I wrote some time since in regard to your sending a box of things, please let me know whether you sent it or not. I have seen nothing of any. You may direct it in my name, Washington D.C., Carver Hospital Ward 40.
We met with a defeat at Fredericksburg. We all cry with our voice, why is it? It is because politicians at home are allowed to cast dishonor on old and true veterans. The Army of the Potomac is none other but Little Mac. He it was who formed it from a motley crowd and they took it from him and the result is a defeat and a heavy loss.
Put those harping editors where I was and let them see what I saw (viz - one poor fellow’s head torn completely from his shoulders) and I think they will quit drawing likenesses of McClellan or any other person.
They would be so frightened that their tongues would cling to the roof of their mouths. Please write often. My love to all. Send me some money for I would like an apple now and then. Excuse all mistakes for I am in no condition to write.
Your Afc’t Son,
Frank
This appears to be Frank’s first letter home after his injury. I don’t know if it was the pain or the drugs that kept him from disclosing how he received the injury, because this is definitely not a healthy Frank writing. His staunch support of George McClellan is unsurprising, because “Little Mac” was a very popular general among the troops. Unfortunately, McClellan’s reticence in engaging the enemy lost him Lincoln’s trust and he lost control of the Army of the Potomac. There is little doubt that McClellan’s meticulous preparation and planning turned a “motley crowd” of green boys and men into fighting soldiers, but his hesitance in using them to their full advantage cost him everything.
I do often feel sorry for McClellan as I think if he'd been given more time he could have done much with the army. However, I simply love this quote a short note to McClellan during the Peninsula Campaign, "If you don't want to use the army, I would like to borrow it for a while."
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