I could succeed better if I would promise to do this for that one. & something else for another & promise the same thing to a dozen. as some men do.  I will do no such things, others may, I will see my wife & family with a clear conscience & a character unscathed or not at all.
 The news you received that I was elected Capt of my Co vexes me, as I am not aware that such a thing was ever thought of by any one,, never mentioned by me or to me.  I enlisted in the service of my country from pure motives as my friends verry well know, not for office. & further I cannot look uppon officers with that respect that I once did, for I am perfectly satisfied that if officers were all in good earnest & honest this war might to day be ended.  There is too much of a looking for the spoils & office & not enough of honest, patriotic exertion made. 
But I shall not despond for the destinies of our country.  Yesterday, I read the St Louis Democrat of Dec 12 through giving an account of Burnsides splendid victory over the enemy at Fredericksburg.  He is in earnest & if not removed as Fremont was, for whiping them too fast, will yet take Richmond & thus cut off the head of the green eyed monster.  The news is good from all parts of the country, God rules & will not permit this luminary to the opressed millions in all lands to go out in darkness & obscurity.  I must close. Lyle
