judge, and who should have the ability to judge correctly.  I find by a little absence for the few last days (under orders) that my whole course has received marked approbation from citizens and soldiers, so much so that many who are comparative strangers to me are already claiming for me promotion.  This is highly gratifying but I do not think any promotions should be made for the present.  Let service tell who are the deserving ones and give them the promotion.  Father also wrote about a Mr. Reed.  He is now here and will probably be able to secure a position.  I do not want to be importuned for places.  I have none to give and want to be placed under no obligation to any one.  My influence no doubt would secure places with those under me, but I become directly responsible for the suitableness of the appointee, and then there is no telling what moment I may have to put my hand upon the very person who has conferred the favor, or the one recommended by me.  I want always to be in a condition to do my duty without partiality, favor, or affection.—­In the matter of making harness I know that a very large amount is wanted.  Maj.  Robert Allen, Chief Quartermaster for the Western Department, stationed in St. Louis, has the letting of a great deal.  Father remembers his father well.  He is a son of old Irish Jimmy, as he used to be called about Georgetown to distinguish him from the other two Jimmy Allens.  He is a friend of mine also.—­This letter has proven so far more one to Father than to yourself, but I direct it to you that you may reply.  I write in great haste having been engaged all the evening in writing orders, and still having more to do.—­I send you with this the likeness of myself and staff.  N^o 1 you will have no difficulty in recognizing.  N^o 2 is Capt.  J.A.  Rawlins, A.A.  Gen. N^os 3 & 4 Capts.  Lagow & Hillyer, Aides-de-Camps, N^o 5 Dr. Simons Medical Director.

A good looking set aren’t they?  I expect Julia here the latter part of next week.  I wish you could come at the same time and stay a week or two.  I think it would pay you well.  Won’t you try to come?  If it were at all necessary I would pay the expense myself to have you come.  Give my love to all at home.  I think I will send you several more of my photographs, one for Uncle Samuel, one for Aunt Margaret, one for Aunt Rachel and one for Mrs. Bailey.

Your Brother,

ULYS.

[The battle of Belmont is the first event of importance after the occupation of Paducah.  This was the first time the men and officers were under fire; they behaved like veterans.  Here they gained a confidence in themselves that they did not lose throughout the war.]

Cairo,
November 8th, 1861.

Dear father: 

It is late at night and I want to get a letter into the mail for you before it closes.  As I have just finished a very hasty letter to Julia that contains about what I would write, and having something else to do myself, I will have my clerk copy it.