Civil War-dated ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, September 22 [1861 or 1862]. Written from Andover, Massachusetts, a letter to his former private White House secretary Sidney Webster, in full: "I received your long interesting letter at Concord and made at once the disposition suggested. Genl. Butler and the Gov. of N.H. have tendered to Colo. George the command of the Reg't. in the new division which the former is authorized to raise in New England. When I parted with him yesterday he had not determined whether to accept or decline, his four small children, a wife in rather delicate health and enciente present very formidable obstacles to an acceptance. You understand the attitude of Colo. Green, Mr. Hallett, Genl. Butler, P. R. George, and you have doubtless observed that a friend of yours has groped his way through much darkness & many difficulties to a theory, which will answer, at least for the present, how strangely and how differently we are constituted. One man can discard old opinions substitute new ones in their place and act upon them, not only with facility, but apparently without regret. Another can never attain even to a comprehension of the process by which such a change is wrought out. Such versatility may awaken surprise, but it cannot inspire respect—You have of course seen our friend Colo. Howe and I anticipate the same pleasure in the course of the week. Give my love to Sarah." In fine condition, with light toning along the vertical fold.
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