Head Qrts 3d Div 6th CorpsFeb 13th 1865My dear Wife:-

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You are undoubtedly waiting with some anxiety to hear from me. I arrived here last evening and found things all right. I remained in Washington from Wednesday night till Saturday evening, because I could not get away on account of the Potomac being frozen up. I saw Gov Smith there and had a long talk with him in the presence of Mr Baxter, and you may be seen I did not receive matters much. I told him a few strong facts. It is unnecessary for me to give the details, but he promised me upon his honor that he would give me the first chance, and this in the presence of Mr Baxter. George says if he dont fulfill this promise he will make him suffer in a place he dont think. There has been some pretty smart

lying between him (the Gov) and Dr Thayer and I had the satisfaction of traping them in it too.

Friday I met and became acquainted with Genl Griverson, the great raider and spent a good share of the day with him. He is a particular and warm friend of George, having been so for many years, and I am placed on his list of Friends. He is a noble looking man. He related to us many thrilling incidents and hair breadth escapes, and his manner of relating there was pleasent and interesting. I wish you could see him. He is to send me his Photograph. The manner of our introduction was very amusing. While I was out of Georges office a few minutes the Genl came in having just arrived in the City. Geo. took him to the Sect of War and introduced him and came back. When I came in he told me that the Genl

had been in there, and would be in again and wanted introduce me to him. Of course I was perfectly willing, I did not have to wait long. He came tot he door and saw me sitting byt he side of George, and exclaimed Good God you here Doc? and made a dive for me of course I met him half way. But there not that warmth of greeting on my part that he might have reason to expect, which caused him to take a better look of me, and "am I mistaken"? George said no, this is the Doctor, but not the one you was thinking of, then told him who I was. He said he was glad he had met me, if our introduction was rather abrubt. But could see how two men could look so near alike He mistook me for Ruben. When I parted with him on Saturday, he grasped my hand with a truly, friendly grasp, and hoped might be permited to meet again and

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become better acquainted. More of this at another time.

I want you to look in my old wallet and see if there is not a little key in it, and if so send it to me at once (the key). I suppose you know I have found my trunk, and it is all right.

The weather is very cold here and my hands ache with the cold. How is my dear boy? has he got over his cold? It made my heart ache to leave him when he was so unwell. But Military dicipline has no heart.

Give my love to all the children, and accept much for your dear self.

God bless you all -

Remember me to Mrs Page and give her my love, and how is Mr Page?

Your affectionate husbandJ.C. Rutherford