Camp Pierpont, Va.

Feb. 18th 1862

My dear Sister,

Your letter of the 4th inst. is the last I have received and as I had written just about that time. I have not been much influenced by the disquiet you expressed in my behalf as I properly should have been—tho’ you ought to have known by this time that I am fever-proof, and give yourself no uneasiness on that scene.

I have been to the City since you were here and inquired about the Hackline at Williard's. It was put into the Bill of the Room and not been handed into the office until you had left. Astonished the individual that succeeded you in its occupation. I however paid it. Did not see the man himself, that is, the "Hartman." They told him at the Hotel to write you about it to you so you know whether he has been paid or not.

What glorious news! the last three days have brought for cause of the Union, from the South and West, and if the rumor of today should prove true, that they have surrendered Savannah, it is indicative of the end of the Rebellion and the caving in of the Secession desperation that was to wrap the South in one grand conflagration but they would not permit the Yankees to hold a fort on their soil.

Burnside & Goldsborough have come out gloriously of their trials and labors. One good effect the gallant work of our navy has accomplished will be to show England that the spirit and pluck that lowered her proud banner so often in 1812 has not diminished in the last 50 years and will dissipate any idea of intervention with the blockade if they even seriously contemplated any. I think that no blockade of so extensive and difficult a character was ever so fairly maintained and so effective as ours—never so by sea I am afraid that by land—tho’ I believe that is pretty well closed by now.

The next thing we will hear from England will be some of her Navy officers will be out next inspecting their Gunboats or probably they will effected it without our knowing it. I suppose we have in a measure solved the problem of Iron Clad boats for inland Navigation but whether they would answer for sea going vessels is not certain. I have no doubt we have experience enough now in this respect to be even with both England and France in this kind of armament. Tell Will I am glad to hear of favorable accounts of his leg. If you see the "Gilmans" and they ask after me, remember me to them. With much love to Jenny, George, and believe me your affectionate Brother

John F. Reynolds