.Njg5.MTQ4MA

make no "speech," for I have no inclination toward oratory, but then how the world moves. - I meet a good many old friends here, a large number of whom are Officers in the Army; but best of all I have formed quite an intimate acquaintanceship with an old gentleman who, owning a large and valuable library, has been good enough to place it at my service. So that, when my health is re-established, I trust, to enjoy myself a good deal, and specially to "catch up" in my deplorable arrearages of art and literature. - Also, when the Spring is advanced I purpose to procure leave of absence, in regard to which there will I think be do difficulty at all. - And now that I am talking of "Ego" I must tell you that I the other day received an offer of a staff position with Gen. Sheridan, which however I shall not accept. Col. Sherman is with him as Inspector General. - Tell me how you have been during all these weeks - what you have read and thought - how the Union victories strike you - what is the character of your hope and faith for the future: let us again take up all the threads of discourse and sympathy which have been dropped, and leave no break nor flaw in our woof. I shall write you separately in a day or two; but I could not wait any leisure, and so have scribbled this in the breaks and pauses of my office work. All sorts of people come to me with all sorts of complaints; some frivolous, some sad, some dreadful. I have to discriminate, to decide, to judge. Some I send away weeping, some rejoicing. Now friends, own dear friends, let your blessed fellowships break in upon me once more, relieving the sombre character of my duties with tender human cheer. How many times have I said God bless you? I cannot guess: can you? But I say it once more - still once more - bless, keep, guard and uphold you in all nights and days that are to come. [Ever?] Richard Realf.