.Njg3.MTQ3Mw

altogether uncertain whether he will resume active service or not. He is as yet simply a parolled prisoner, awaiting exchange. - The Federal Army lies encamped around Nashville, with Hood well up in our front. For a week past we have been under a blockade of ice and snow, rendering the roads impracticable for man or beast; but inasmuch as the weather is now moderating I presume the Marching Orders under which we have laid for some days will soon be carried out, and that another battle will soon be fought. It is useless to speculate. That the rebels fight as fiercely as ever their repeated charges at Franklin shows; and that the Union soldiers possess the sturdiness which secures ultimate victory, and the readiness that baffles the most frenzied impetuosity, is demonstrated by the same battle. But I am sorry to see in the North such a spirit of foolish ecstasy over our successes, and foolish depression over our failures and reverses. this is not wise, not well. The Cause is not lost or gained by a battle nor by a campaign; the noblest cause defended by arms and committed to the chances of war can not have unvarying success, and a nation which cannot endure patiently an occasional disaster cannot achieve an enduring and permanent success. - Thank you for your sympathy with me in the process through which I have passed. I have no doubts nor fears about matters. I think I have pretty well outgrown any desires I may ever have entertained to achieve "a name" or a "position." I have learned long ago to regard the honors and