Writing his cousin to assure him the family is well, Ambrose also puts forth his views on President Lincoln, emancipation, and the prospect of a draft: "there is some talk of a draft down here," he writes, declaring, "for my part they may go to the devel for what i care i never will go to war to free the dalmed roten niggers." He refers to "Old Abe" and his "thrice beautiful hell born scheme of emancipation" and wishes that "our beloved [Stephen] Dougles were now a live." He inquires as to "the jeneral fealing in regard to this war in your neighborhood", noting that "for my part i dont care a dalm what they call me so they dont call me an abolitionist."