Portland
My dear Frank
I suppose that if the Capitol is threatened and the Govt. request your regiment to remain for a short time, they will not refuse to do so. If, as the papers tell us, other Regts. when time is out, are volunteering, and still others are mustering from all quarters to the rescue, it would not look well for any to leave at such a crisis, and wish to see you, I could not wish that your Regiment, and [illegible] should be an exception. […]
With entire love, Your father
William Pitt Fessenden to his son, Francis Fessenden [Fessenden Collection]