West Point.
Dear Father,
[…] How do you get along with your business, is money scarce?
I was very glad you had heard from Charlie and that he was teaching. I like that business better than being a salesman.
I have been very anxious all this week to hear from William, we heard Monday that an attack had been made on Charleston but no particulars and did not hear any tell yesterday. The gunboats had made an attack on Fort Sumter. The land forces had not done anything then. This week we shall hear news, good or bad.
William, I know will distinguish himself if he goes in to the Battle, he is a good officer.
Mother has not written me for some time. I shall write as soon as I can get time.
Your Aff. Son, Malcolm McArthur
Malcolm McArthur to his father, Arthur McArthur [McArthur Family Papers]