Headquarters Eleventh Corps
Near Brooke Station VA,
My dear brother,
We were glad to get your letter directed to Otis, but intended for me I thought.
Tonight it is quite cool and comfortable. I hear the bands playing in almost every direction and if I could lose the consciousnous that we were in the midst of hideous war (as I often do) it would be quite pleasant. You speak of your future occupation. I see no opening in the Army for you but something may yet “turn up”.
Otis wrote in answer to some private catechisms on the subject – that he thought his duty lay in the Field and that some one else better be selected as the nominee for Governor. You were wise not to give any opinion as to his accepting.
I hear you sustained the Senior dignity while at Bath.
We move our Hd. qrs tomorrow into the woods not more than 1/4 mile from here. […]
Charles Henry Howard to Rodelphus Gilmore [Charles Henry Howard Collection]