Wrote Julia, “All is very quiet here now.  Every day or two I have reconnaissances made down near the enemy and occasionally we surprise a scouting party of the enemy.  A day or two ago some of my Cavalry got into a nest of them and killed ten or twelve, took four prisoners and four horses, and a lot of shotguns and rifles.  I will send Fred one of the rifles the first opportunity.  By the way, I would like to take Fred with me the balance of the Campaign.  Won’t you let him come?  If you will send him down when father comes, I will take good care of him.  Gen. McClernand has his son, about the same age, with him and so have several other officers.”

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 2, p 327-8