Tuesday June 25

Lucy went home this morning, she has closed her school until September.  We are constantly expecting to hear of a battle in Virginia.  Gen. M'Clellan is there in command.  May the God in whom he trusts be a present help to him & contend with those who contend with him.  It seems to me so desirable that Government should be victorious.  It is right that the pride, arrogance, and oppression of the South should be rebuked, but in case of success I know our government will be as merciful as safety will permit.  They will restrain their armies from outrage and plunder as far as may be possible.  They do not seek to destroy the south, but to subdue the rebellion.  The southern leaders appeal to the basest passions of their men, their hatred of the north is constantly inflamed.  Their "government" as they style it, urge them on to violence and blood.  The Lord plead our cause, we commit it to him.  I think nearly 10,000 men have gone through Parkersburg into Virginia, the 9", 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 22nd regiments of O. V. M., and the 6th, 8th & 9th Indiana.  The Michigan Regiment of Coldwater Flying Artillery and Sturgis Cleveland Artillery, and some others have gone this way.  If all the regiments are full, with those which passed through Wheeling, McClellan must have 15,000 men.  Enough if properly officered and thoroughly drilled to do great execution, and yet thousands more are ready to be added to the number.