A Union Soldier Mentions McClellan And The Resurrected USS Merrimack In A Letter Home

(CIVIL WAR LETTER). ALS. 1pg. April 30, 1862. Lebanon Church, [Pennsylvania]. An autograph letter signed by a Union Army officer stationed in Lebanon, Pennsylvania as Chief of Ordnance of the Pennsylvania Army. He mentions General George McClellan and his lack of movement during the Peninsula Campaign, taking place at this time. He also mentions the USS Merrimack, a Union frigate that the Navy burnt and sank in 1861 to prevent capture by the Confederacy. However, the Confederates still raised and rebuilt the Merrimack in early 1862. They hoped that the ship, renamed the CSS Virginia, could help to end the Union blockade of Southern ports. “Mr. Pigot, and your note of the 26th to Harry R, have just arrived. By it I was glad to learn something positive about you all, having heard that you had left Lombardy in great haste & consternation. We do not know what to make of McClellan’s movements: or rather ‘stand still’. He certainly has a powerful and determined force in his way to Rich[mond]; they are not to be conquered easily. I wrote you about a month since, from Gloster Point. Since then I have been ordered as Chief of Ord of the Pena Army, and now have my Head Qrs at this place…From what I learned just now from an Off just from Norrs you may expect to hear of the Merrimack very soon. Geo Tatnall says he is not afraid of their Torpedoes and I think you will find him soon in the York…”. It is in fine condition.