“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 family, and repeated her confidence in the “good Laud's” having saved the General for some good purpose. Finally she could not restrain herself any longer, and said: “'Massa Gen'l, what you do wid Ham? Whar is he? I 'spect he be kill and you done 'eluded you not tell ole Marfa'. “'No, Martha,' said the General; 'Ham is well. I left him with Capt. Jackson and Capt. Day to take care of our traps.' “'Well, dat's all right. I feered he kill.' “'No, Aunty; he is all right.'