Chapter XVII

_Washington, Monday, 2 o'clock--May 9, '64._ DEAREST MOTHER--There is nothing from the army more than you know in the N. Y. papers. The fighting has been hard enough, but the papers make lots of additional items, and a good deal that they just entirely make up. There are from 600 to 1000 wounded coming up here--not 6 to 8000 as the papers have it. I cannot hear what part the 9th Corps took in the fight of Friday and afterwards, nor whether they really took any at all--(they, the papers, are determined to make up just anything). Mother, I received your letter and Han's--and was glad indeed to get both. Mother, you must not be under such apprehension, as I think it is not warranted.

So far as we get news here, we are gaining the day, so far _decidedly_. If the news we hear is true that Lee has been repulsed and driven back by Grant, and that we are masters of the field, and pursuing them--then I think Lee will retreat south, and Richmond will be abandoned by the Rebs. But of course time only can develope what will happen. Mother, I will write again Wednesday, or before, if I hear anything to write. Love to Jeff and Mat and all.

WALT.