Annapolis
My dear Brother;
When I wrote you I did not think I would be so long confined here. For two weeks I enjoyed the rest and quiet very much, but it is now nearly two months since I first came and I cannot say when I may be exchanged. In the meantime I have missed and am missing everything. The crisis of the Rebellion has arrived and passed perhaps at this moment. A great battle has been raging and may still be going on in front of Washington. The cannonading we have heard here at times. The latest rumors last evening are too good to be true. You will understand if you receive the papers the position of the opposing armies. Jackson's forces, according to these rumors, have been utterly annihilated- 10,000 killed and wounded, I2,000 prisoners including Jackson. Our loss also severe in killed and wounded. Today we can learn nothing. I am in such a state of restless anxiety that I am half sick and good-for-nothing. I can imagine what you will feel when you hear the first tidings of the terrible conflict, which were carried out in yesterday's steamer and will reach you distorted through English channels. Our army is no doubt equal in number to the enemy, but there are a great many new troops. Several divisions of McClellan's army have not yet been able to come up. I cannot talk of this any more. I have made every exertion to get exchanged, and cannot imagine why it has not been accomplished. Kane was exchanged two weeks ago and is now in the field, although a cripple. I heard from him a few days before he left. He sent me a copy of a letter he sent to the Adjt. Genl. in my behalf-very strong and very "Kanish"-and lead me to expect that I might soon join him. Since then I have heard nothing although I have written repeatedly to all the Depts. and to all of my friends who I thought might have influence. The rules are so strict now that it is impossible to get to Washington even for a day without special authority from the War Dept. I managed to get home for two days last week to see Emma---the only time I have been away since coming here. They told me in West Chester that I should have had command of the Chester Co. Regt. had I been exchanged at the time it was organized. They say I shall certainly have command of one of the new Regts if I am exchanged before they are all in the field.
I am very thankful to Genl. [Simon] Cameron for his good intention toward me in writing to the President to appoint me a Paymaster in the Army. I wish you would give to him my very sincere thanks. I should without hesitation accept such an appointment if tendered me. I hope you have received my letter long before this. I will leave this open until morning and send you the latest news. I will ask to be remembered to Genl. Cameron, to whom I was introduced at the time of the grand review when I commanded the Regt; also to the young ladies who may possibly remember me. With very much love to Marie, Lily and yourself.
I met a few days ago Mr. George P. Smith of Pittsburg[h], who said he met you in Egypt, having traveled with Achmet as Dragoman. He said he had no doubt that you would soon be full minister. He also told me to say to you when I wrote that, if you wished to find out what was going on at Washington (behind the curtains) to write to him at the Continental Hotel Phila. Give my love to Marie and Lily I hope you will write to me. I shall write again as soon as I know anything definite as to my future movements. With much love.
I am
Ever your loving Brother,
Chas Frederick Taylor
Sept. 1st. There is still nothing definite this morning. The last is the two armies are confronting one another, both heavily reinforced. The Bull Run Battle Field is being fought over with terrible fury. The next forty-eight hours will no doubt see either the Army of Lee and Jackson broken and routed or Maryland invaded and Washington beseiged. And I have to stay here and draw rations for a hundred lazy men!
C.F.T.