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.

Day before yesterday, I left here with about 3000 men in five
steamers, convoyed by two gun boats, and proceeded down the river to
within t