(Place of writing, undoubtedly Camp at Pawnee Creek, a few miles from Fort Scott, Kansas. I have definitely established that this letter was written between the 17th and the 30th of November, 1864: Probably about the 20th. Manly J. Mumford.)
(First part of this letter missing. MJM.)
... I shall send you funds as soon as I can get it. I have no doubt that you have had a great deal of anxiety on account of not hearing from me before, but there were no mails carried where we were.
I think the war will end without the confiscation of Rebel property. I so, it will end in the same way that it would if McLellan had been elected -- with this difference, that the war will be prolonged for four years more with the destruction of thousands of precious lives. The Republicans here say that Lincoln, in his next message, will offer a free pardon to Rebels of all rank if they will lay down their arms. When this is done, the Republicans will stand exactly on the Democratic platform in the fore part of 1863.... He did make a proclamation in which he said that all men who had aided or batted the rebellion, directly or indirectly, their property, both real and personal, should be confiscated for the benefit and use of the Government of the U.S. Could any thing have been more wicked or cruel? If I was a Rebel, are you and my children to be punished for my sins? It is indirect murder. A short time after, he finds out that his proclamation is in direct opposition to the Constitution of the U.S. Then he offers a free pardon to all with their property, real and personal, below the rank of a Col. in the Rebel army and all below the rank of a Lieut. in the Navy. After this, by the advice of Congress, he offers a pardon to Cols. also. I ask you if he has not greatly backed down from his first love -- or hatred -- to the Rebels, which ever you choose to call it. All that now remains to be pardoned is the accursed traitor, Jeff Davis, his cabinet, the Governors of the seceded states, and the members of their legislatures, the sheriffs, and Generals in the army.
It is said that the Democratic Party is dead. If so, we read that there shall be a resurrection; and so there will be of that time-honored old Party with its just and righteious principles. Then again will peace be restored to our once happy, wise, and prosperous land, who ever were so under Democratic rule.
I shall write often if I am not again sent away. Direct as usual. Give my love to Cordelia, Letitia, Vara, Ada, Frank, Mary, Jane, and my Baby and kiss her every day for me. Please accept of my best love, and may God bless and protect you till we meet again, is my prayer. I am affectionately your Husband
C. N. Mumford
P.S.
I found one letter here from Manley when I got back, and three from you, the last dated the 13th inst, all of which were joyfully and thankfully received.
C.N.M.