Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) to Samuel Hooper
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02944.01 Author/Creator: Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss (1816-1894) Place Written: Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 October 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Written from camp near Damstown. Banks, commanding a division, Army of the Potomac, replies to a note from Hooper, a United States Representative from Massachusetts. Relates that he has been busy organizing his staff, and will soon make arrangements for Mr. D'Hautville (possibly Captain D'Hautville). Needs the approval of General George McClellan before he can proceed. Discusses troop movement, and the possibility of obtaining winter quarters farther south. Of Abraham Lincoln, writes, "The President looks to me fatigued and oppressed- He is sadly changed since I rec'd from him my Commission- He came out here a week ago Sunday with the Secretary of State and Gen'l McClellan- He was very kind but I could not feel sensibly the weight he had borne since he entered the Presidency." Mentions Senator William Appleton's resignation from Congress. Sends his regards to the Hooper family. Marked private at the top of page one.
Private ansd Head Quarters
Nov - 2nd,, Camp near Darnstown Md.
October 15th,, 1861
My Dear Sir.
I have neglected to reply to your note, concerning Mr: D'Hautville, for the reason that I have been waiting for a long time to gain a sufficient foundation for the organization of my staff - I think now that will be accomplished by the assignment to my Head Quarters of Capt Perkins & the 4th Artillery - This I trust will be accomplished in a few days and I shall then be in condition to select others and also to provide for Mr D'Hautville as you suggested in your note- I ought to say perhaps, that my arrangements in that direction ought to receive [2] the approval of the Commanding General of the Department - Genl,, McClellan - and I doubt not that can be obtained -
We are having fine weather in Maryland now, but it has been for a time very cold - We are hoping for Southern Winter Quarters - The movement of the army of Washington, Southward must stir up an enemy, some-where. - and we may then look for an engagement, and if successful a further advance - It is quite possible, however, that the withdrawal of the rebels may extend to Richmond - in which case they would avoid an immediate encounter, and trust to their arms in Missouri & Kentucky for their next successes - The Massachusetts troops are not in line of comparison with those of most other states either as to officers men or equipment - The troops of other states, seem to be newer - Ours, comparatively [3] have the aid of Veterans - I believe however that all our soldiers will fight well.
The President looks to me fatigued and oppressed - He is sadly changed since I rec'd from him my Commission - He came out here a week ago, Sunday, with the Secretary of State and Genl, McClellan. - He was very kind, but I could not feel sensibly, the wight he had borne since he entered the Presidency.
I notice that Mr: Appleton has resigned his seat in Congress. His letter seemed to me considering his position [illegible] & political singularly happy in its [struck: expression] construction - I hope, the fifth District - will be wise enough to send you in his place - It will be for them a grand mistake if it prove otherwise
I beg you will present my regards to [4] Mrs,, Hooper and to the young ladies, as also to your son & his lady, - If you get so far from home as to reach "Darnstown" I shall be delighted to see you.
I am Very Truly Yours
N.P. Banks
[docket]
About D'Hautville
Genl. NP Banks As Aid de Camp.
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