Norton S. Townshend Letter to Margaret Bailey Townshend, [May 1862]
Related Resources
Norton Strange Townshend Letter to Margaret Bailey Townshend, [May 1862]. Norton Strange Townshend Family Papers, Box 1, Folder 32.
[May 1862]
Washington, Sunday eve
My dear wife, I wrote you last night from Baltimore a rather gloomy letter. I arrived here this morning early as I expected. I have rested quietly most of to day but as I tried to find a boarding place with Blake and Wade I have necessarily picked up a little news. They tell me that Newton’s nomination is very likely not to be confirmed to the Senate & that I stand an even chance with him yet. I find the opinion prevails here generally that he is not competent to fill the place & that he will be opposed on that account. In case a new nomination is made there are two candidates besides myself neither of them on the ground & my papers were considered better & friends more numerous than theirs. Tomorrow I well expect to call on Sumner & lots of folks.
I find folks here
who have no confidence whatever in Genl. McClellan. It is openly disclosed by men who ought to know that he lacks ability & courage & patriotism & that some other of our generals would have finished the war here around Washington many months ago. If he were not now immediately in front of the enemy I think he would be removed at once but this is not for you to repeat. It is sad is it not? The late battle at Williamsburg was near being a total defeat of our troops through his stupidity.
The President is terribly provoked at Hunter’s proclamation & I presume he will be treated like Fremont or else made to recall or modify his proclamation. It is pretty warm today.
Yours affec.,
N.S. Townshend
