To RH Milroy From Schuyler Colfax Dec 11 1861

              Private 


                                          Washn     Dec 11, 1861 


Dear General, 

                I have but a moment to write you, but 
I have a ray of hope & will shed it on you. 


    Last week I saw Gen McClellan for a moment, but 
he is very reticent as to what he intends doing & did not 
say whether he would let you & the 9th get with fighting 
regims or not.  This morning I saw Gen Cameron, who has 
just returned from Pa, & he promised me that he would see 
McClellan tomorrow & insist on you & the 9th being sent to 
Ky, & sending new Regiments to Cheat Mountain to guard the 
passes this winter.  Mr. Lee Drem came in just then & we both 
went to McCs  Head quarters.  He was not in, but we told it all 
to Col Cooper, one of his staff, & I told him, as he promised to repeat 
an appeal to the General, that if he could get you away from 
there, we would recommend him for Brig. Genl.  He said, 
being a New Englander, he would like your place for this winter, 
as they like mountains & ice.   Gen Cameron took a memorandum 
of all that I told him about you & your Regt. – their fighting 
qualities etc etc.  If it is posible, I think you will get orders to move. 
McClellan said he had been trying his best to oblige the Govs. 
of Ohio & Ind in ?????  Reg from there, but could not move then all. 


    I also urged on Gen Cameron your Brigade ??? & ??? 
(Keith & Dmn.)  He said in about 2 weeks he could see what 
he could do – feared he had too many men – Gen Thomas was 
a ??  etc.  I am not sanguine, but will keep on working