Item No. 7651694

Letter written from Headquarters, Defenses of Washington, on October 27, 1862, by A. R. Norton, an unidentified individual working at or associated with General Nathaniel P. Banks’s headquarters, possibly as a military staff member or civilian clerk. Addressed to his sisters in Connecticut, the letter discusses rumored change in War Department leadership and Norton’s support for General McClellan during the lull following the Maryland Campaign.

Norton gets right down to news of the war. “I must say that our forces now occupy about the same positions along the lines of the Potomack which they did one year ago today,” he writes. “And it is the same old story. All is quiet along the lines. But I think the prospect is beginning to look a little more favorable for stirring times ahead.” He then observes that what he sees “of the movements of the red tape fraternity that a change will soon be made in our war department, which will give a little more life and energy to the drooping spirits of our troops here.” He speculates that Secretary of War Edwin Stanton might be replaced by Major General Nathaniel P. Banks, writing that he hoped “for my country’s good, it may be so.”

Norton follows up with news of General McClellan’s movements toward Stonewall Jackson at Winchester and praises the Potomac army’s leadership:

I think McClellan is now about making an advance upon Jackson at Winchester, where we may look for warm work in a few days if Rebels don’t run. And should they do that, I think that Sigel is in such a position that he can cut them off from Richmond and hold them in check, if nothing more, until little Mack can reach them, which he is sure to do if he is let alone. No more Loyal men or braver Generals ever lived than the two above mentioned, and if such men as them and Banks and Hooker could have the command of our Army without being dictated by a class of corrupt political demagogues, Secession would be driven into the Gulf of Mexico or the Straits of Magellan in less than six months from this time. But one thing I am satisfied of that it can never be honorably settled or settled with honor to the North without totally annihilating the whole cursed Rebel race, which I would go in for until what few there might be left would come and beg upon their knees for mercy. But how the thing will end, those who live to see it will only know, for it is all clouded in mystery now.

The letter is written on three pages of an official “Headquarters, Defenses of Washington” letter sheet measuring about 7 3/4” x 10”. It retains its original stamped postal cover addressed to Mrs. Harley Downes in West Meriden, Connecticut, in care of James W. Hough. The cover also bears crossed-out address information referencing Waterbury and the Wolcott Paper Manufacturing Company. Norton’s identity and official position remain unknown, but these could be clues to his identification.

The full transcript appears below.

Head Quarters, Defenses of Washington,
Washington October 27th 1862. 10 PM

Dear Sisters Sheba and Leanora,
I take the opportunity of writing a few lines to you this Evening as I am now in the Office all alone. I have not much news of importance to write. We have had constant Rain here for the last three days until this afternoon. It has now cleared up and bids fair of giving us a chance of stirring about again with a little more comfort.

In regard to the War news, I must say that our forces now occupy about the same positions along the lines of the Potomack which they did one year ago today. And it is the same old story. All is quiet along the lines. But I think the prospect is beginning to look a little more favorable for stirring times ahead. I think from what I can see of the movements of the red tape fraternity that a change will soon be made in our war department, which will give a little more life and energy to the drooping spirits of our troops here. Although I may be deceived, but I should not wonder if Mr Secretary Stanton was superseded by Major General Banks, and I hope and pray to God that for my country’s good it may be so. Although as I said before, it is only a matter of my own surmising.

I think McClellan is now about making an advance upon Jackson at Winchester, where we may look for warm work in a few days if Rebels don’t run. And should they do that, I think that Sigel is in such a position that he can cut them off from Richmond and hold them in check, if nothing more, until little Mack can reach them, which he is sure to do if he is let alone. No more Loyal men or braver Generals ever lived than the two above mentioned, and if such men as them and Banks and Hooker could have the command of our Army without being dictated by a class of corrupt political demagogues, Secession would be driven into the Gulf of Mexico or the Straits of Magellan in less than six months from this time. But one thing I am satisfied of that it can never be honorably settled or settled with honor to the North without totally annihilating the whole cursed Rebel race, which I would go in for until what few there might be left would come and beg upon their knees for mercy. But how the thing will end, those who live to see it will only know, for it is all clouded in mystery now.

You will Pardon me for neglecting to acknowledge the receipt of your letter in its proper place, as I did not feel like going to bed. Just then, it popped into my head that I would write to somebody, so I sat down to the Desk and had my Letter dated before I who it would be to or what I would write. I recd a Letter from Elvira a short time ago and sent her one in return, but I have recd no answer from that. I also wrote to Hattie and to Manvill, but have received no answer from them. If you see Hattie, tell her that if she does not write to me, I shall give her such a scolding as she never had before. Give my love to Washington, also to Rufus and Ellen if you see them. I forgot to stat that I received a Letter from New Haven dated the 22 saying that George was comfortable, Cecelia was about as usual, and Nancy was not very well. But it is getting late and I am Getting Sleepy, so hoping that this will find you all enjoying good health as it leaves me. I must close by subscribing myself
Your Affectionate Brother
A Roufines Norton

N.B. Direct until further notice to
A. R. Norton
Genl Banks Head Quarters
Washington DC

Assessor Hall has sent word that he has put you in the lists for a carriage, & if it is not right he wans you to see him about it.
Yours G.W.W.