West Point, N.Y.
June 11, 1861
My dear Sisters,
Ellie's letter of
the 9th came today. Harry's last
Saturday week; one from Jim in the meantime, from Washington announcing the
death of William Coleman on the 24th of last month. Sad news under any circumstances but doubly so, under the
present, when every one feels the depressing influence from the sorrowful
conditions of our recently so happy and prosperous country. Who would have believed when I came
here last September and found Mr. Jeff Davis here labouring with a committee of
Congress and civilians to re-organize the Academy, our National School! whose sons never, until the seeds sown
by his parricidal hand had filled it with the poisonous weed of secession, had
known any other allegiance than that one to the Whole Country, or worshipped
any other flag than that which has waved over our youthful hopes and
aspirations and under which we marched so friendly in our boyish days-- "Who!" I say, could have
believed that he was then brooding over his systematic plans for dis-organizing
the whole Country. The depth of
his treachery has not been plumbed yet, but it will be!
I have heard nothing
of my promotion officially. In
fact, nothing beyond what I am bound to hear and can form no idea as to what
effect it will have in my position here, tho' I can hardly think they will let
me remain if I am put into the new Artillery Regt., it will want all its
officers.
Your letters contain
gratifying news of Will's improved condition, which is some consolation amid the
discouraging public affairs tho' I doubt if anyone in Washington will think, or
have time to think, of him when so many engrossing things are pressing and
being pressed upon them. Does his
office expire by limitation? Or is
he subject to removal? If the
latter, I think he has not much to fear.
We are now fairly in
the middle of our examinations and are very busy--will be so for a week or ten
days to come. I have not time to
write you a long letter. With my
love to all. Tell Harry that in
the midst of duty and time taken up by the Board of Visitors, to say nothing of
the feminine Visitors. I must make
his answer out of this--I am grateful to know that the books were useful, and
that his Company promises to be equally so and that without leaving home for
the present. Anything ever I can
do for him he had not hesitate to ask and thank his offer of kind services for
me.
Believe me.
Your affectionate
Brother
John F. Reynolds
Miss Ellie Reynolds
Phila., Penna.