West Point, N.Y.

April 21st, 1861

My dear Sisters,

I was very sad not to have seen you when in Phila., as well as to hear of the sickness of Ed and Mary, who I hope by this time recovered so as to relieve you from all anxiety.

What sad events have transpired since I saw you--events of the deepest interest to country, to us, and to all mankind. Here in our quiet nook, we can hardly realize that this great nation is in the agonies of dissolution, tho' we here are beginning to feel it. In a week more I suppose we will have no more Southern Cadets at the Academy, and

officers are looking for orders to leave. How long I will remain is uncertain. Much, everything I may say, depends upon the turn events take and in Revolution, events terminate rapidly. I hope Harry will stay at home and take care of his family. If I have to go, as in all probability I will, one of the family will be enough to begin with. We'll last longer at that rate. What history will say of us, our government, and Mr. B's administration makes one wish to disown him. How unfortunate everything done in reference to Fort Sumter was. When I was in Washington, I had certainly been determined to abandon it, and the political trick of gaining time for the reinforcement of Pickens was a blunder, costing more than could be hoped to be realized from it to say nothing of the military operation. Mr. Fox late of the Navy, had better have informed himself to the element to which he might be supposed to know something, tho' that may well be doubted. He certainly has shown himself to be a fool in reference to military operations.

Write and let me know how you're getting along with your South household. I am kept very busy now. I feel anxious to hear about Jenny and George in Balt. Love to all.

Your affectionate Brother

John F. Reynolds

Miss Ellie Reynolds

Phila.

Pa.

I hope Harry’s indisposition (Gout[?]) has left him. J.F.R.