s of the Army of the Center around
Murphy's Hill, the people began to clamor for a movement of some
decisive character.

"During Gen. Rosenfelt's inactivity, Gen. Silent had moved with the
Army of the West against Gen. Pendleton, who had continued to obstruct
Conception River by holding Victor's Hill, as well as the grand bluffs
below. Gen. Silent had made some of the most wonderful marches and
successes ever known. He had opened ways for the water to flow from the
river into the lands; had cut canals through at different points; had
run the batteries of an hundred guns with his transports laden with
supplies for his army; marched on the opposite side of the river below
Pendleton, crossing his army below the Grand Bluffs in one day and
night; moved out against the enemy, who was in superior force,
cutting loose from his own base of supplies, and fought him in six
hardly-contested battles with victorious results each time, and he
finally succeeded in hemming Pendleton inside his fortifications at
Victor's Hill and forcing him, with his entire army, to surrender
unconditionally.

"The President had also in the meantime placed Gen. Meader in command
of the Army of the East on account of the constant failure of other
commanders during the Spring campaigns. Soon after assuming command
Meador had gained a great victory over the enemy at Gotlenburg, and had
driven him back across Grand River to his own ground. The enemy had
become so encouraged by his victories over our armies heretofore, that
he concluded to try a second invasion of the loyal States.

"The people who desired the success of the Union forces were greatly
rejoiced over the victory at Gotlenburg and in the West by Gen. Silent,
and by them Rosenfelt was constantly urged to do something by way of
giving some activity to his army. But he hesitated and thought the heat
of Summer was too great in that climate for his men to march and endure
the fatigues of a campaign. This was so discouraging to his troops that
many of them sought relief by obtaining a leave of absence and returning
home for a few days. Among those who returned were Gen. Anderson and my
son Peter. When they arrived at home all greeted them with many hearty
welcomes. My wife by this time had so far recovered as to be up a
portion of the day, and the return of the General and Peter seemed to
revive her drooping spirits. The children were overjoyed and Aunt Martha
was as much delighted as any of the f