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WAR LETTERS

WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

CArrAiN WrLLiAM TH0MP30I

^.'^.

Capxai':

Unit?

i-j

.. X

MCM-Vi

WAR. LETTERS

WiilliamThomps(Mi Lusk.

Captain^ Assistant AdjuXant-C^ierwrai^
United States Volunteers

i8bi— i8b3
Aftenoard MJ).,LL.D.

NcTV York

PRIVATELY PRINTED
MCMXI

" I believe that .... the next generation will be better when they
hear the story of the present. And another generation still, when the
dimness of time shall have enhanced the romance, will dearly love to
hear the tale of the Great Rebellion . . . . " p. 243.

*^ loving our country better, for having proved that it was

so dear that we were willing even to give up our life for its preserva-
tion." p. 92.

" But living, or fallen among the chosen, I trust if the tidings of vic-
tory be heard, all who love me will wear their gayest colors and cheeriest
smiles, in the joy at the success of the cause in which the loved one
rejoiced to risk his all. With such parting words I can go without a
tremor into battle, and fear nothing where God ruleth Supreme." p. 272

It is enough to do one's duty and let Providence provide." p. 243.

"... we know at least that Providence doeth all things well, if not
exactly as man would have it." p. 262.

"Let us hope for the best in all things then, and believe that in all
things, if we seek, we may always find a best." p. 244.

)54

PREFATORY NOTES

William Thompson Lusk, M.D., LL.D., was the son
of Sylvester Graham and Elizabeth Freeman (nee Adams)
Lusk; grandson of Sylvester and Sarah (nee King) Lusk,
of Enfield, Conn., and of Richard and Mary Rebecca
(nee Turville) Adams of Norwich, Conn. Richard Adams
and his wife were both natives of Essequibo, British
Guiana.

His great-great-grandfather, John Lusk, was born in
Scotland, whence he emigrated to the North of Ire-
land, and thence to this country, settling at Wethers-
field, Conn. He died at Newington in the township of
Wethersfield in 1788 at the age of eighty-three years.
His origin is obscure.

William T. Lusk's great-great-grandfather on his
mother's side was Richard Adams, who was born in
England between 1690 and 1720 and settled in South
America.

His father (b. 1805, d. 1840) was a New York merchant
of the house of Lusk, Lathrop & Co. His mother was
born in 1814 and died in 1875.

The familiar references to people in these letters have
the following interpretations: Cousin Lou is Mrs. Henry
G. Thompson; Uncle John is John Adams, the brother
of William T. Lusk's mother; Uncle Phelps is Isaac N.
Phelps, and Aunt Maria (nee Lusk) is his wife; Walter is
William Walter Phelps; Hall is the Rev. William K.
Hall, later of Newburg, New York; Horace is Horace
Barnard, brother of Mrs. Henry G. Thompson.

Vll

viii PREFATORY NOTES

The historical notes of this volume were collected by
Anna H. Lusk.

Mr. Edward L. Burlingame gave valued advice in
the editing.

Mr. O. G. Mason, for forty-two years the photog-
rapher at Bellevue Hospital, skilfully revived much of
the former intensity of those photographs used for repro-
duction, that were faded and worn by time.

The books from which the references and maps were
taken are the following:

"The Rebellion Record," edited by Frank Moore, published by
G. P. Putnam, New York.

"The 79th Highlanders New York Volunteers in the War of the
Rebellion," by William Todd. Press of Brandow, Barton & Co., Al-
bany, New York, 1886.

"The Life of Isaac Ingalls Stevens," by his son Hazard Stevens,
published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston and New York. The
Riverside Press, Cambridge, 1900.

"Antietam and Fredericksburg," by Francis Winthrop Palfrey, pub-
lished by Chas. Scribner's Sons, New York, 1882.

"Letters of a Family during the War for the Union," printed for
private distribution. Copyright 1899, by Georgeanna Woolsey Bacon
and Eliza Woolsey Howland.

"The Memorial History of the City of New York," edited by Jas.
Grant Wilson, published by The New York History Co., 1893.

"The War of the Rebellion," prepared under the direction of the
Secretary of War by Bvt. Lieut.-Col. Robert N. Scott, Third U. S.
Artillery. Published at Government Printing Office, Washington, 1882.

"The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion,"
prepared, in accordance with acts of Congress, under the direction of
Surgeon-General Joseph E. Barnes, U. S. Army. Part First. Medical.
Published at Government Printing Office, Washington, Second Issue,
1879.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Prefatory Notes vii

Introduction i

Memorials of William Thompson Lusk, M.D., LL.D. . . 5

William T. Lusk. An Editorial from The Brooklyn Eagle by
Harry S. Kingsley 7

Memorial Notice of The Military Order of The Loyal Legion
of the United States 9

Address in Memory of William Thompson Lusk, M.D., LL.D.
By Dr. A. Alexander Smith 13

Memoir of William Thompson Lusk, M.D. By Austin Flint,
M.D 21

In Memoriam. William Thompson Lusk, M.D., LL.D. By

Henry C. Coe, M.D 25

Valedictory Address of William Thompson Lusk on His
Graduation from the Bellevue Hospital Medical

College, 1864 35

War Letters of William Thompson Lusk, Captain, Assistant
Adjutant-General, United States Volunteers, 1861-
1863 ........... 47

William T. Lusk joins the 79th Highland Regiment, New York
Volunteers, June, 1861 47

Col. W. T. Sherman made brigade commander, and Brigadier-
General Daniel Tyler, commander of the division, about July
12, 1861 51

Skirmish of Blackburn's Ford, July 18, 1861 5i> 54

First Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861. Death of Col. Cameron 55, 60

Transfer of the 79th Highlanders from Colonel W. T. Sher-
man's brigade to that of General Mansfield .68

Appointment of Gov. Isaac L Stevens Colonel of the 79th High-
landers 70

The Mutiny in the 79th Regiment, Aug. 14, 1861 ... 72, 76

Reconnoissance at Lewinsville, Sept. 11, 1861. Restoration of
Colors to the Highlanders. Colonel Stevens appointed Brig-
adier-General 85

The Port Royal Expedition under the command of General
Thos. W. Sherman, started from Hampton Roads, Oct. 29,
1861 89, 94

CONTENTS

PAGE

Naval Engagement at Port Royal under the command of Com-
modore Saml. F. Dupont, Nov. 7, 1861 95

The Occupation of Beaufort, Dec. 9, 1861 107

Action at Port Royal Ferry, Jan. i, 1862 115

Appointment of Col. Addison Famsworth Colonel of the High-
landers 115

General Thos. W. Sherman superseded by Major-General
David Hunter and Brigadier-General H. W. Benham, April

8, 1862 132, 143

The Fall of Fort Pulaski, April 11, 1862 .... 136, 141, 143
Battle of Secessionville on James Island, June 16, 1862 153, 156, 157
The 79th Highlanders sail for Fortress Monroe, and join Burn-
side's Expedition at Newport News 163, 166

The Reinforcement of Pope by Bumside's Troops .... 174
Second Battle of Bull Run, Aug. 28, 29, and 30, 1862 . . . 182
Battle of Chantilly, Sept. i, 1862. Death of Genl. Stevens . 180, 185

The Reinstatement of McClellan 202

Battle of South Mountain, Sept. 4, 1862 197, 203

Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862 . 199, 205

McClellan succeeded by Bumside 228

Letters relating to efforts made to secure for Capt. Lusk the
Commission of Major in the 79th Regiment, N. Y. Volun-
teers . . 218,219,233,235,236,238,251

Battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862 244, 249

The "Mud Campaign." Bumside succeeded by Hooker . 268
Letters relating to the appointment of Capt. Lusk as Lieutenant-
Colonel of the Blair Light Infantry 276, 280

The Return of Lieutenant-Colonel Lusk to the scene of con-
flict (Harper's Ferry), serving as Assistant Adjutant-General

on General Daniel Tyler's staff 281, 284

Letter written after the Battle of Gettysburg, July i, 2, and 3,

1863, and the Surrender of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863 . . 284

The Draft Riots in New York City, July 11, 12, and 13,
1863 287, 288, 290

' ft

ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Captain William Thompson Lusk, Assistant Adjutant-
General, U. S. Volunteers Frontispiece

William Thompson Lusk, M.D., LL.D 7

William Thompson Lusk 35

Elizabeth Freeman (Adams) Lusk, Mother of W. T. Lusk 47

Brigadier-General Daniel Tyler 71

William Thompson Lusk at the Age of Seven Years . . 89

Brigadier-General Isaac L Stevens 122

General Isaac I. Stevens and His Staff 137

Captain Lusk in His " Old Clothes." Taken by the " * Cheap

John' Style of Man" 166

House at Norwich, Conn., in which William T. Lusk was

born. The Home of His Childhood ....... 175

Mary Hartwell Chittenden whom W. T. Lusk Married

May 4, 1864 262

MAPS

Map of Military Operations in N.E. Virginia, Maryland,

AND PeNNYSYLVANIA 49

Port Royal and Sea Islands of South Carolina ... 95

1 .

INTRODUCTION

The letters of this volume portray in the life of William
Thompson Lusk, his part as the patriot.

During his later years Dr. Lusk referred little to his
army experiences, and the discovery of these letters sev-
eral years after his death, revealed a part of his career
hitherto little realized by those who had known him more
as the skilful physician, the wise counsellor, the generous
and sympathetic friend, the boon companion. The same
enthusiasm, the same high regard for duty, the same desire
to be helpful to others, the same inconsideration for self,
which dominated his professional life, are depicted in his
career as the young soldier, ever at the front, fighting for
his country. His heroism on the battle-field forms a
characteristic picture equally true to every phase of his
subsequent career.

These letters have been put into print, that a story of
heroism might be handed down, that the history of the
War of the Rebellion might be embellished by descrip-
tions written at the scene of the great drama by one of
the performers, and that a fuller insight might be given
to his friends into the rare personality of this man who,
no matter how well they might have thought they knew
him, must have been known to them only in part.

The letters are the writings of a young man between
the ages of twenty-three and twenty-five years. Threaded
through them is a sturdy philosophy which puts forward
the bright side of life to face all obstacles. Certain refer-

2 INTRODUCTION

ences to public characters which do not coincide with
later-date views of the individuals, will be recognized as
expressions which were true to local feeling during times
when the nation was in peril and opinions ran hot and
strong. To the soldierly courage of his regiment, in a
letter written just before the battle of Fredericksburg,
Captain Lusk pays his tribute in the following words:
"Think of the pride I shall feel as my own Regiment
receives its welcome from the joyous citizens of New York
— a welcome deserved by its conduct on many fields."

One of Dr. Lusk*s happy precepts was, never to insist
on things being done which, as he said, "made no differ-
ence." His advice was generally given as a suggestion
which he would not reiterate, but his suggestions carried
great weight and were generally accepted unequivocally
as law. His patients idolized him. Numbers of them
after his death uttered words like these: "I know he
was more to me than he could have been to any one else."
Thus each family whom he attended had grown to depend
on his wisdom and cheer, and when he was taken away
his place could not be filled. When, with the develop-
ment of modern surgery, he was acquiring a large opera-
tive gynecological practice, and the question arose what
part of his professional work must be curtailed to give
him time for the surgery, one thing he was very sure of
was, that he would never give up his family practice,
since that would deprive him of the opportunity of seeing
familiarly the many friends who were his patients, which
was one of his particular pleasures in life. One of his

INTRODUCTION 3

patients once said, '' He seemed constantly at the bedside
of my sick child, yet later I met a friend who told me that
at this very period of time Dr. Lusk was constantly at
the bedside of his child as well." The physical effort
which he put into the discharge of his professional duties
was always very great. He has been known, after two
consecutive nights of work, to attend to his affairs on the
third day without an intervening rest. One night, a year
or two before he died, worn with great fatigue, he was
called early from his bed to try and save a woman's life.
He responded promptly, and as he went down stairs he
was heard to say wearily to himself, **Oh! I am so tired."
In the morning he remarked with a quiet smile, " It was
all worth while. The patient lives."

He was an inveterate reader. Whenever he had an
idle moment he would pick up something to read. He
accomplished much literary work while driving around
in his coupe. Later he got an open carriage and would
drive his horses himself so that he should not read so
much.

One particular charm was his never failing interest in
the doings of young people, in whose society he always
took a keen enjoyment. He never outgrew his ability
to comprehend the standpoint of youth. Professionally,
he never seemed happier than when he was helping along
some of the younger men.

He was a good story-teller, and quick to see and enjoy
fun wherever it could be found, and so it was that he was
his children's boon companion.

He was a keen lover of nature, and especially enjoyed
the color in nature. In the country he always liked a
view with water near by for its color contrast. During
one summer spent at Dives on the Normandy coast, he

4 INTRODUCTION

could frequently be found at the sunset hour over at
Cabourg leaning on the sea-wall, looking out over the
ocean and watching the play of colors in the western
sky. Just before his death he was planning a house in
the country, beside a lake among beautiful hills, and
around the house there was to be a garden of holly-
hocks. He once remarked: "Nature never looked so
beautiful as the morning before a battle."

W. C. L.

47 East -^^th Street.

MEMORIALS OF

WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

M.D., LL.D.

Captain^ Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Volunteers^

1861-1863

WILl i

: ti«»Mj>'.)N j l'S.\

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■"i tif iJl. Wiih-JM' ' . i 'i^'f. '.t -^

fci. . i :iM. i^f mariv i.. frierKls. aiul a nai'^^* \ampk*
fii '"t s;.if-:^acrihcing sj-. ^f the Ivts* n.tMiil i. : (f ''r-
callip:.- vliiih Dr. Lusk !»• ri-nL:;t!i« .ud .i;» ' .:,: . •.!'.. I

He wure i.inii>clf' clown !vv^ [ i. ,! anJ t;in(->: v\ : .
a plivsiciaii lmhI a suigcon, and . -* -war.lovl .i: ; ' ' .

ertor*" as a inetlical instriu.ro-. /\i -^i svarnt'k! : • •

iTv»nirii»w- ('t dccieas'in^ vi^or ro \>\.- » - !;.

C'-J.w", i.'i ijrul U> give to hiipsolr i!i.
;?'..• •. ■>! :li he hafl pia'^t'lv iri.-'

•!•* i',^:V ' '^Mit of a seiise •>; nv i i* .
«!l"-. rf> »vliiv, .".. fell a \oiiiahlv iM.t:'^
)\^< %\j.s ail :*«!iri.r.ib!o rarcei, fi'i" ir ■-• •
Hi:* .' .:s a leiijVn .srh )larslii;», trr
spi:n" in ^er^u•e t-^r rhf luce. His '.^. .jn i m.^Mc en*
l>c^;au^^. i* v i.iir r.-it to heal, ro sa^* imi '•• c«.fMff)Jt. H--
' was a inaorjihtxnc iinior: *'){ rliarai.ter ami o*' capacity,

•S.I

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> . 1

•/

MEMORIALS OF
WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK, M.D., LL.D.

Captain^ Assistant Adjutant-Generalf United States Volunteers^

1861-1863

WILLIAM T. LUSK

[Editorial from The Brooklyn EagUy written by Harry S, Kingsley,]

The sudden death of Dr. William T. Lusk of New
York by apoplexy, is a decided loss to the medical pro-
fession, a distinct weakening of the ranks of good citizen-
ship, a lamentable wounding of the hearts of not a few
kindred and of many more friends, and a pathetic example
of the self-sacrificing spirit of the best members of the
calling which Dr. Lusk both strengthened and adorned.
He wore himself down by faithful and earnest work as
a physician and a surgeon, and by unrewarded and noble
effort as a medical instructor. Although warned by the
monitions of decreasing vigor to be generous to his own
constitution and to give to himself that right of rest and
recreation which he had grandly earned, he withstood
the suggestion out of a sense of moral and professional
duty to which he fell a veritable martyr.

His was an admirable career, for it was lived for others.
His was a benign scholarship, for it was acquired and
spent in service for the race. His was a noble energy,
because it went out to heal, to save and to comfort. His
was a magnificent union of character and of capacity,

8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

of genius and of experience, for it was devoted to the re-
duction of pain, to the abatement of ills and to the preser-
vation of life. Of him it can be said reverently that he
saved others and himself he would not save. The Great
Physician, the title by which the Founder of Christianity
is so often and so tenderiy defined, is served in this world
by thousands in His image who grandly work in His
spirit. Few of His followers ever served Him, in serving
humanity, better than did William T. Lusk, and he who
would not permit to himself the respite which he should
have taken here, has gone to a waiting reward where
sickness and sorrow, which he did so much to alleviate
and to diminish, are unknown.

MEMORIAL NOTICE OF THE MILITARY ORDER

OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED

STATES

New York,
August 2d, 1897.

At a stated meeting of this Commandery held at Del-
monico's, corner of Fifth Avenue and Twenty-sixth Street,
the following was adopted as the report of the Committee
appointed to draft resolutions relative to Companion
Captain William Thompson Lusk, Assistant Adjutant-
General, United States Volunteers (Insignia No. 4,913),
who died at New York, N. Y., June 12, 1897, aged fifty-
nine years.

Report

Companion Captain William Thompson Lusk was
born in Norwich, Conn., on May 23, 1838, and died in
this city, June 12, 1897. As a boy he attended a private
military school in New Haven, and entered Yale College
in the class of '59, but left at the close of the Freshman
year as he was strongly attracted to the study of chemistry
and physiology, and there was little opportunity for pur-
suing these studies except in the regular medical course.
He devoted two years to the study of medicine in Heidel-
berg and one year in Berlin. The War of the Rebellion
called him home. Joining the 79th Regiment, New
York Volunteers, Infantry, in June, 1861, he took part
in the battle of the first Bull Run, though not mustered

10 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

into the service. He was commissioned Second Lieuten-
ant in the same regiment September 19, 1 861, with rank
from August 3; Captain February 24, 1862, with
rank from January 19, 1862. Resigned February 28,
1863, to take command of a regiment being raised in New
York City, at the request of Governor Morgan. Before
the regiment was recruited he joined the staff of General
Daniel Tyler, and was commissioned Assistant Adjutant-
General with the rank of Captain June 26, 1863. Re-
signed September 17, 1863.

While in the service of the United States he took part
in the battles of Blackburn's Ford, First Bull Run, Port
Royal, Secessionville-on-James Island, Second Bull Run,
Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
and a multitude of minor engagements.

Coming to New York, he matriculated at the Bellevue
Hospital Medical College, and on his graduation the
following year he was valedictorian of his class. He de-
voted one year more to medical studies in Edinburgh
and Paris, Vienna and Prague. In 1866 he settled in
New York as assistant to Dr. Barker, and in 1869 was
appointed professor in physiology at the Long Island
College Hospital. This association continued for two
years, when he received an invitation from Dr. Oliver
Wendell Holmes to lecture on physiology before the
Harvard Medical School, and passed the winter of 1871
in Boston lecturing with great success. The chair of
obstetrics in the Bellevue School, in New York, having
become vacant through the death of Dr. George T. Elliot,
the position was offered to and accepted by him, and he
also became visiting physician at the Bellevue Hospital.

In 1882 he published his celebrated work "The Science
and Art of Midwifery.^' It had an immediate and im-

MEMORIALS ii

mense sale in England and America, and made Dr. Lusk
famous, the work passing through four editions and being
translated into several languages. * Dr. Lusk was for a
time editor of the New York Medical Journaly and in
that and other periodicals published many of his earlier
articles.

His personality was a prominent and popular feature
of the college (Bellevue) to which he devoted the best
years of his medical life, and his genial, unassuming
manner endeared him to many friends throughout this
country and Europe.

Among the offices held by him were President of the
Faculty and Professor of Obstetrics and of the Diseases
of Women and Children in Bellevue Medical College,
Consulting Physician to the Maternity Hospital and to
the Foundling Asylum, Visiting Physician to the Emer-
gency Hospital, Gynecologist to the Bellevue and St.
Vincent's Hospitals, Honorary Fellow of the Edinb.urgh
and London Obstetrical Societies, Corresponding Fellow
of the Obstetrical Societies of Paris and Leipsic and the
Paris Academy of Medicine, President of the American
Gynecological Society, President of the New York State
Medical Association, and Vice-President of the New York
Obstetrical Society.

He joined this Commandery October 5, 1886, and
George Washington Post, No. 103, Dept. New York,
G. A. R., March 17, 1887.

This committee has the honor to submit the following
resolution, and respectfully recommend its adoption:

Resolvedy That the New York Commandery of the
Loyal Legion of the United States receives the notice
of the death of Dr. William Thompson Lusk with un-
feigned regret, and with a thorough realization of the

WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Committee.

loss to the medical profession, to the community, and
to this Commandery.

Edward Haight,

Brevet LieutenanuColonel, late United
States Army.
Andrew D. Baird,

Major, United States Volunteers.
Robert Gair,

Capt.y United States Volunteers.

By order of

Major-General Grenville M. Dodge,

United States Volunteers, Commander.

A. Noel Blakeman,
Acting Assistant Paymaster, late United States

Navy, Recorder.

J A

ADDRESS IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM
THOMPSON LUSK, M.D., LL.D.

Delivered before the New York Academy of Medicine, Nov. i8,

1897, BY Dr. a. Alexander Smith

Dr. William Thompson Lusk was born May 23, 1838,
at Norwich, Connecticut. He spent his boyhood days at
Norwich, attending the Rev. Albert Spooner's school
with a view to preparation for Yale College. His uncle
examined him in Latin, and told him that although well
taught it was by the old method; and that if he tried to
enter Yale College on that preparation he would be
rejected. Accordingly leaving Norwich in the winter
of 1853-54, he attended Anthon's Grammar School in
Murray Street, New York City, residing in the family of
Dr. and Mrs. Fordyce Barker, to the latter of whom he
was related by marriage.

The winter of 1854-55 he was sent by his mother to
Russell's Military School in New Haven, because of
"the great advantage he will derive from thorough physi-
cal training in the gymnasium."

In 1855 he entered the Freshman class at Yale College,
but remained only one year, leaving college because of
difficulty with his eyes. Later, in 1872, he was enrolled
with his class by the action of the Corporation, and then
received an honorary degree of A.M. Later still, in
1894, Yale conferred on him the honorary degree of
LL.D.

For one year after leaving college he engaged in busi-
ness, but his eyes continuing to trouble him, and having

14 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

no liking for business, in 1858 he went abroad to consult
a distinguished oculist, Dr. Monoyer, at Geneva. He
had become much interested, even in boyhood, in the
study of chemistry and physiology, and after a short stay
in Geneva, he went to Heidelberg and began the study
of medicine, his interest in chemistry and physiology
leading to such decision.

He remained in Heidelberg two years, and one year in
Berlin, coming home to America in 1861 to enter the army.
Governor Buckingham of Connecticut offered him a
position on his staff, but the young man wishing assured
active and immediate service, enlisted as a private in
the 79th Highlanders, New York Volunteers. His wish
was soon gratified, for joining the regiment in June,
1861, he took part in the battle of the First Bull Run,
though not yet mustered into service. At this battle he
was one of a group who carried the dead body of Colonel
Cameron of the 79th Highlanders off the field, it being
said of him on this occasion, that he walked backward
from the enemy so that he might not be shot in the back
if a bullet should strike him.

He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 79th
Regiment, September 19, 1861, with rank from August 3.
He was commissoned Captain February 24, 1862, with
rank from January 19. He resigned February 28, 1863,
at the request of Governor Morgan, to take command
of a regiment then recruiting in New York City. Before
the regiment was filled he joined the staff of General
Daniel Tyler, and was commissioned Assistant Adjutant-
General with rank of Captain, June 26.

While in the service of the United States, he took part
in the battles of Blackburn's Ford, First Bull Run, Port
Royal, Secessionville-on-James Island, Second Bull Run,

MEMORIALS 15

Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg,
and many minor engagements.

Of the battle of Manassas he writes : " I made the charge
armed with a ram-rod which I had picked up on my
way thither. I acknowledge that I found the work
hotter than I anticipated.'*

General Isaac I. Stevens in his official report of the
battle of James Island, South Carolina, in June, 1862,
writes: "My Assistant Adjutant-General was in all parts
of the field carrying my orders and bringing me infor-
mation, to the great exposure of his life, as was Aid, Cap-
tain William T. Lusk."

And at the battle of Antietam, in September, 1862, as
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of Colonel Christ's
brigade, his name is recorded as among those mentioned
for "gallant and meritorious conduct in the field, and for
efficiency in their departments."

He served as a staff officer on General Isaac I. Stevens's
Staff for a considerable period of time preceding the
latter's death in the summer of 1862.

During the draft riots in New York City, in 1863,
Captain Lusk commanded two companies of troops, and
was stationed at Eighth Avenue and Twenty-Third
Street.

During his service in the army he had two horses shot
under him, once had his belt shot off, and saw his 79th
Highlander Regiment of one thousand men reduced to
two hundred and thirty in number, yet himself never
received a scratch.

He resigned September 17, 1863, when his troops were
sent into Delaware and put on the inactive list. After
his resignation he came to New York and completed
his medical course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical

x6 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

College, graduating in 1864 (March 3), and was valedic-
torian of his class.

He went abroad in May, 1864, for further study, spend-
ing four months in Edinburgh with Sir James Y. Simpson;
six months in Paris, four months in Vienna with Carl
Braun, and two months in Prague with Seifert.

On his return from Europe in 1865, he went to reside
in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he became associated
with Dr. Robert Hubbard from whom he claimed to have
learned much of the art of how to practise medicine.

In 1866 he came to New York and became associated
with Dr. Fordyce Barker, which association continued
until 1873.

In 1869 he was made "Professor of Physiology and
Microscopic Anatomy" in the Long Island College Hos-
pital. This position he held until 1871.

In the winter of 1870-71, at the request of Dr. Oliver
Wendell Holmes, he delivered a course of lectures on
physiology at the Harvard Medical School.* This course
was very successful and he was led to expect an immedi-
ate appointment to the chair. There was, however, a
little delay, during which time he was offered the chair
of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children at
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, made vacant
by the death of Dr. George T. Elliot. This latter he
accepted at once, and a few hours later came the offer
from Harvard, which, of course, was declined. Through
this incident New York became his permanent resi-
dence instead of Boston.

He held the chair at Bellevue Hospital Medical Col-

*Dr. Lusk was the first lecturer on physiology at the Harvard
Medical School, who gave a course which was accompanied by
experimental demonstrations.

MEMORIALS 17

lege from April 4, 1871, up to the time of his death, June
12, 1897.

In 1870 he was appointed Visiting Physician to the
Nursery and Childs' Hospital.

In 1 87 1 he was appointed Obstetric Surgeon to Bellevue
Hospital.

From 1 87 1 to 1873 he was co-editor with Dr. James B.
Hunter, of the New Tork Medical Journal.

From 1889 to 1897 he was President of the Faculty of
the Bellevue Hospital Medical College.

Other positions and titles he held or had held were:
Consulting Physician to the Maternity Hospital and to
the Foundling Asylum; Consulting Obstetrician to the
Society of the Lying-in Hospital of the City of New York;
Visiting Obstetrician to the Emergency Hospital; Gyne-
cological Surgeon to St. Vincent's Hospital; President
of the American Gynecological Society; Vice-President of
the New York Obstetrical Society; President of the New
York State Medical Association; Honorary President of
the Obstetrical Section at the Berlin Medical Congress;
Honorary Fellow of the Edinburgh and London Obstetri-
cal Societies; Corresponding Fellow of the Obstetrical
Societies of Paris and Leipsic; Corresponding Fellow of
the Paris Academy of Medicine.

He was also a member of The Military Order of the
Loyal Legion of the United States with title of Captain,
Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Volunteers.

Dr. Lusk was the author of many papers on various med-
ical subjects, chiefly on obstetrics and gynecology. He
evinced his interest and training in physiology by occa-
sional contributions on that subject. A paper on the
"Histological Doctrines of Robin," a paper on "Urae-
mia, a Common Cause of Death in Uterine Cancer,"

x8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

and still another on "Origin of Diabetes with Some
New Experiments Regarding the Glycogenic Function of
the Liver," all attest this, and were published in the New
Tork Medical Journal during the time he was one of the
editors.

A paper entitled: "Nature, Causes and Prevention of
Puerperal Fever," read before the International Medical
Congress in 1876, in Philadelphia, was one of the first
in support of the germ theory of disease, which then
created considerable interest. When Koch's paper ap-
peared in 1882 on the isolation of the tubercle bacillus,
Dr. Lusk accepted its conclusions enthusiastically, re-
garding such conclusions as offering the only satisfactory
scientific explanation of the origin and spread not only
of tuberculosis, but also of many other diseases.

The first edition of his monumental work "The Science
and Art of Midwifery," appeared in 1882, and has gone
through four editions. The last edition, published in
1892, Dr. Lusk regarded as practically a new book, it
having been largely rewritten. In 1895 he appended a
chapter on symphysiotomy. It was his intention during
the summer of 1897 to revise the book again and issue
a fifth edition.

The work has been translated into French, Italian,
Spanish, and Arabic.

When the book was about to be issued, the plan of it
was submitted to an eminent obstetrician of New York,
whose opinion was highly valued by both author and
publisher, and whose criticism was that it would certainly
fail of success unless the plan were changed. Dr. Lusk
refused to change the plan and said : " It must go before
the profession on its merits without such change."

A few months after it was published, the writer of this

MEMORIALS 19

address asked him as to the sale of it. His response was
quite characteristic of his well known modesty: "As
well, quite as well probably as it deserves, there are still
four hundred copies unsold. I am desirous of issuing a
second, and, as I think, a much improved edition." Within
a few days on meeting him again, he said: "The second
edition must come out at once; the publishers have just
received an order from London for nine hundred copies."

This work added greatly to his reputation both at home
and abroad. While its trend is decidedly German, the
clinical aspect of it is the result of New York practice.

Dr. Lusk married May 4, 1864, Miss Mary Hartwell
Chittenden, daughter of Mr. S. B. Chittenden, of Brook-
lyn. She died in 1871. Of this marriage there were
born five children, one of whom died in infancy. Two
daughters and two sons survive. One son, Graham, is
Professor of Physiology in the Medical Department of
Yale University, and the other, William C, is a practicing
physician in this city.

He married again in 1876, Mrs. Matilda Thorn (nee
Myer), who died in 1892. Of this marriage a daughter
survives.

Dr. Lusk's eminence as an author, a teacher, and a
practitioner, made his name well known. His charming
personality and his genial, hearty manner brought him
many friends. Modest as to his own attainments, he
was ever ready and cordial in his praise of the work of
others. He was a loyal friend and a generous antagonist.
He was sometimes impulsive but always just and magnani-
mous. He was sincere, and unselfishly devoted to duty;
qualities which always command respect and admiration.
No efforts were too great for him when suffering called
for his services; indeed he often worked for others to

20 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

the detriment of his own health. He was ever ready
to take responsibility when necessary, but he was always
conservative in his judgment. With his colleagues in
college work, he was always the affectionate and warm-
hearted co-laborer, and intensely interested in it.

He was the counsellor and friend to young men. Well
might be applied to him the sentiment he expressed in
the dedication of the first edition of his book, to Dr.
Fordyce Barker, "Generosity toward the younger mem-
bers of the profession."

MEMOIR OF WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK,

M.D.»

BY AUSTIN FLINT, M.D., OF NEW YORK COUNTY

William Thompson Lusk was born May 23, 1838,
and died June 12, 1897.

The death of a truly great and good physician, at the
zenith of his fame and in the full development of his
powers, is indeed a loss. On June 12, I saw Dr. Lusk,
in full vigor and health, at work in his private hospital.
An hour later, his gentle spirit had passed away, and his
useful and laborious life was ended.

From the time of his graduation in medicine in 1864 to
the hour of his death, he had devoted his best energies
to the study and advancement of the science of medicine.
The history of his professional life has been written by
himself. The thousands of physicians who had the bene-
fit of his instruction will long hold him in grateful remem-
brance; and the public institutions with which he was
connected will long feel the influence of his wise counsels
and faithful and disinterested work. His associates and
personal friends may well say, '^we shall not look upon
his like again.'* The honors which he received at home
and abroad engendered no feeling of envy in the hearts
of his friends and professional associates, but were re-
garded as merited recognition of his valuable services
to science and humanity. His sturdy honesty of purpose,
with his delicate sense of honor and exquisite gentleness

^Read at a meeting of the New York County Medical AstociatioD, Oct. i8, 1897.

22 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

of character and manner, impressed all with whom he
came in contact; and his friends, as well as he himself,
were as much astonished as grieved at any evidences of
antagonism or ill-will, which few positive and fearless
characters are fortunate enough to escape.

The memory of Dr. Lusk should be peculiarly dear to
the Fellows of this Association. When it was deemed
wise by certain of us, in the interests of the whole pro-
fession, to organize the State Medical Association in
1884, Dr. Lusk was one of its Founders. In the ^ame
year, he participated in the foundation of the County
Association, and signed the articles of incorporation in
1890. He was President of the State Association in 1889
and contributed largely to its scientific proceedings as
well as to the work of the County Association. In all
discussions and controversies within the profession, when
necessary. Dr. Lusk had the courage of his convictions,
but without malice and with charity for all. He readily
forgave every slight or injury, fancied or real.

With Dr. Lusk*s brilliant public career since 1864, I
am entirely familiar, and the life of his early manhood
is consistent with the later character we knew and ad-
mired. Having passed the three years previous to 1861
in the study of medicine and the allied sciences in Heidel-
berg and Berlin, his patriotism recalled him in the hour
of the nation's peril, to enlist as a private in the 79th
Highlanders, New York Volunteers, in 1861. He served
as private, second lieutenant, captain, and assistant ad-
jutant-general until late in 1863, and participated in
many important engagements. I made his acquaintance
when he was in command of a detachment in Gramercy
Park during the draft riots of 1863. In 1863-64, he
completed his medical education and was graduated at

MEMORIALS 23

the Bellevue Hospital Medical College. After gradua-
tion, he studied in Edinburgh, Paris, Vienna, and Prague.
He practiced medicine one year in Bridgeport, Conn., in
connection with Dr. Hubbard. In 1866, he became a
permanent resident of the city of New York. In 1867,
he became my pupil and prepared himself to teach physi-
ology, occupying the Chair of Physiology in the Long
Island College Hospital, from 1868 to 187 1. In the year
1870-71, he lectured on physiology in the Harvard Med-
ical School, and at the close of that session, he was ap-
pointed Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women
and Children in the Bellevue Hospital Medical College,
which professorship he filled until the time of his death.
Ih 1889, he was elected President of the Faculty.

With all his great acquirements. Dr. Lusk was modest
even to the point of diffidence. It may be said, perhaps,
that this quality was so marked that the value of his
instruction was not at first fully appreciated, but it was
not long before he assumed great prominence as a public
teacher. The same quality influenced the early part of
his literary career. Although he had ably edited the
New York Medical Journal^ in connection with Dr.
James B. Hunter, from 1871 to 1873, ^"^ before writing
his book on "Midwifery*' had published many valuable
papers, he long hesitated to attempt the preparation of a
systematic treatise. I urged him to write a text-book on
obstetrics, with a persistence and insistence that prevailed
at the end of two years. In 1881, he published his great
work on the "Science and Art of Midwifery." This work
immediately took its place as the best text-book on the
subject in the English language. He labored on it
faithfully to the time of his death, and improved and
extended it in subsequent editions. It has had four

24 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

American editions and has been translated into French,
Italian, Spanish, and Arabic.

The publication of this book, particularly of the later
editions, niarked the culmination of the author's fame
as a teacher and writer. Honors were heaped upon him.
He received the degree of LL.D. from Yale University;
he was elected Honorary Fellow of the Edinburgh and
London Obstetrical Societies; Corresponding Fellow of the
Obstetrical Societies of Paris and Leipsic; Correspond-
ing Fellow of the Paris Academy of Medicine, etc. He
was no less famous as a practitioner and was consulted
largely in the city of New York and elsewhere. His
frequent visits abroad, where he often read papers before
learned societies, made his foreign friends acquainted
with his charming personality. He was taken away in
the height of his fame and prosperity.

No eulogy of mine can add to the nobly earned and
well deserved reputation of Dr. Lusk; but I esteem it a
precious privilege to pay this tribute to his memory which
lives in the hearts of his thousands of pupils and tens of
thousands of readers. He was a true and reliable friend
and had no enmities, a most accomplished physician, an
original thinker and observer, a laborious and success-
ful investigator and a gentleman in the highest sense of
the word.

IN MEMORIAM/ WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK,

M.D., LL.D.

BY HENRY C. COE, M.D., NEW YORK

Soon after we parted for the summer an honored
Fellow of our Society suddenly passed into the unknown.
Death has singularly spared our company during the past
decade, but when he rudely summoned one of our noblest
and best, we felt that the breaking up of our goodly fellow-
ship had indeed begun. The pathetic cry of the Litany
was not answered, but who can say that it was not best ?
His end was unostentatious, like his life. In the midst
of restless activity, at the period of a well-rounded career,
he went apart and fell asleep. To be spared the decay of
mental and physical powers, to depart at the moment
of victory — was not this the enviable lot of the father
of the Olympian victor whom the ancient philosopher
declared to be the happiest of men ?

Others will utter more elaborate and fitting eulogies;
be it our mournful, though pleasant, duty to offer a simple
tribute to the memory of one who met with us here in
the years that are gone, and whose gracious influence
rests upon us as a benediction. I might speak eloquently
of Dr. Lusk's international influence upon obstetric
medicine, of his classical book, his numerous contribu-
tions to current Uterature, of the impress which he left
upon his students — but here, among those who knew
him best, we think of him rather as the kindly associate,
the fine type of the physician and gentleman, which,

> Read before the New York Obstetrical Society, Oct. 19, 1897.

26 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

pray Heaven, may never become wholly extinct in this
age of fierce competition, when it sometimes seems as if
our noble profession were in danger of degenerating into
a trade.

Although it might seem more proper that one of his
own contemporaries should perform this duty, there is
a certain fitness in the tribute coming from us of a younger
generation to whom he was at once teacher, example,
and friend. If, in mystic faith of Swedenborg, the de-
parted are still with us in spirit, sharing in our daily life,
it would be most distasteful to him to hear words of
fulsome flattery, who was himself so modest and retiring
that, like the wise Athenian, he ever held that "he only
knew that he knew nothing." I shall refer only to Dr.
Lusk's relations to the Obstetrical Society. Our old
volumes of Transactions furnish most interesting, nay
even, inspiring reading. The list of founders far back
in 1863 is a list of intellectual giants, of whom we may
well be proud. To them Lusk was one of the young
and rising men. Admitted to the Society in 1872, he
was Vice-President the following year, and was elected
President in 1879, when most of us were in college, or
were just beginning the study of medicine. I have looked
through all the transactions of the last quarter of a cen-
tury and find abundant evidence of his mental activity
and interest in the Society. His papers and clinical
reports are marked by the same peculiarity, which was
only accentuated in his later years — a disposition to
publish unfavorable rather than successful results, when
it seemed to him that they taught a valuable lesson.

Promptness in acknowledging errors in diagnosis and
technique, a tendency to criticize himself more severely
than others would criticize him, an earnest desire to point

MEMORIALS 27

out the way by which his confreres could avoid his mistakes
— this was the marked characteristic of all his public utter-
ances. The modest, self-depreciating manner with which
we were so familiar, increased with advancing age and
experience. Quick to seize upon all that was good in
new theories and surgical methods, he was preeminently
conservative and allowed younger and bolder spirits to
push ahead, while he waited and thoroughly tested the
old ways before he abandoned them for the new. This
mental attitude, which rendered him such a safe teacher,
constituted him a sort of balance-wheel in many discus-
sions in which advanced, or what then seemed heroic,
methods were generally advocated. Whenever Lusk
spoke, in his quiet, modest way, none of his hearers had
any doubt that he was thoroughly in earnest, and that the
sentiments which he expressed were those which influ-
enced his daily work. So unobtrusive was his manner
that even we who knew him so well often forgot that his
words carried weight all over the world, and when uttered
in foreign medical associations, were received as the dicta
of a master. Thus has it ever been that "a prophet is
not without honor save in his own country."

We do not recall that Dr. Lusk ever sought to pose as
an innovator, nor did he read a paper before this Society
which advocated any new or startling procedure. He
seemed to feel that his mission was to weigh carefully
new facts and to compare them with the old, to warn
against too sweeping generalizations, and the too ready
adoption of radical methods. When he had occasion to
introduce the personal pronoun it was always apolo-
getically. His was the reverent agnosticism of true science.
He had no sympathy with loud pretensions, nor did he
seek to be "heard for his much speaking." Of late years

28 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

he came but rarely to our meetings, and then always
because he felt that he had some special message to
deliver.

It would be a great mistake to infer that because he
was by nature, as well as by choice, conservative, Dr.
Lusk was not fully abreast of modern surgery. I doubt
if there is one here present who followed more closely the
work of foreign operators, not in the library, but by
actual attendance at their cHnics. His active, restless
mind was like a sensitive photographic plate, which needed
only an instant's exposure to the light of truth in order
to retain a lasting impression. He was keenly alive to
all that was transpiring in the medical world, and you will
remember the deep interest which he manifested in the
work of his younger brethren in this city. If a new or
especially difficult operation was to be performed, Lusk
was sure to be on hand. Such a man might be called
"conservative," but his conservatism was the outgrowth
of wide observation and experience; it was not a volun-
tary mental stagnation, due to ignorance of the vast
progress of modern surgery.

We recall with mournful tenderness the kindly attitude
of our lost friend in public debate. He was ever con-
siderate of his opponent's feelings — a gentleman in the
original interpretation of the word, with a fine sense of
the fitness of things and a never-failing courtesy that
disarmed all irritation. How these traits are remembered
now, when he, alas! is only a memory. The keen, eager,
kindly face, the earnest air, the low voice, never raised
in harsh answer or biting criticism — these, with the bright
smile of welcome, the warm hand-clasp, all are gone
forever.

MEMORIALS 29

To lose him from our eager ken,

To lose his thoughts, to ripeness grown,

To lose his presence, are as when
A richly-freighted ship goes down.''

As he was here, so we knew him in his work. He was
too broad for petty rivalries and jealousies, too honest
and consistent to swerve a hair's breadth from the straight
course which he had marked out, either to win or to keep
patients. If he thought that an operation was not indi-
cated, no man, no financial consideration, could induce
him to perform it. He might feel keenly the adverse
criticism of his associates, but he adhered to his own
standard of right. Professional honor was not an empty
name to him, but an integral part of himself. Its influence
pervaded his work in the consulting-room, at the hospital,
wherever he came in contact with men and women.

From this Society he went out to practise what he
preached. We sometimes disagreed with him; some of
us thought, perhaps, that he was a little old-fashioned,
but we honored him for his consistency and recognized
in him a true Bayard, sans peur et sans reproche. It
would be pleasant to review our social relations with
Dr. Lusk, to recall the many delightful qualities which
rendered him so beloved, but I believe that every man who
has lost a friend cherishes some memory of the departed
which is peculiarly his own, and which it is not fitting
to subject to cold analysis. It was good for us to have
been with him, for none touched him in the press of life
ever so slightly without perceiving the aroma shed only
by the pure in heart.

You remember the touching description of how the
Doctor of the old school was borne to his last resting-place.
"Surely no funeral is like unto that of a doctor for pathos,"

30 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

we read: but in the last splendid tribute paid to our
friend by his professional brethren one felt that through
the requiem ran a strain of triumphal music. And in
after years it will be said of him, as was said of the first
Napoleon: "Something great and good must have been
in this man, something loving and kindly, that has kept
his name so cherished in the popular memory and gained
him such lasting reverence and affection."

Sad indeed is the man who is remembered only for
the books which he has written, the operations which
he has performed, or the wealth which he has amassed
during a long and successful professional career. But
thrice happy he who, like our lost brother, leaves not
only these evidences of a well-spent life, but a precious
memory, cherished in the hearts of those made happier
and better by his living. When we think of our illustrious
dead our Society seems lifted to a higher plane. Surely
we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. The
superb Peaslee, the magnetic Sims, the genial Taylor,
Barker*s kingly presence, and now the gentle spirit which
has been absorbed into the Eternal Light. What a rich
heritage is ours! How great is our inspiration to carry
on the work which they began, with the same enthusiasm,
the same zeal for pure truth ! Let us too see to it that no
narrow personal aims, no petty dissensions prevent the
fulfilment of this sacred duty. As, one by one, our elders
turn aside to the wayside inn, let us cherish those who
remain. They may seem old-fashioned or slow to adopt
new ideas. But old fashions are often the best fashions,
and many of our "new" ideas were conceived years
before we re-discovered them. May no regrets be ours
when we think after they have gone how little we appre-
ciated them when they were still with us I

MEMORIALS 31

We offer our poor, imperfect tribute to the memory
of one who lived among us so quietly and unostentatiously
that few realized how rare and lovable was his character.
Only two days before his death he uttered these prophetic
words: "I do not care to have any resolutions offered
about me after I am gone." It is in accordance with his
last wish that I point you to the story of his life as
his best eulogy.

Note: On March 22, 1887, Dr. Lusk performed the second successful
operation of Cesarean section in New York City, saving the lives of
both mother and child, the first having been done in the year 1838.
There had been in this country, prior to this time, but one other case
where the mother as well as the child had survived (Dr. H. F.' Biggar,
Cleveland, Ohio, Dec., 1886). In reponing (in 1888) three successful
cases performed by himself within little more than a year. Dr. Lusk
writes: "... it is my highest pleasure to acknowledge my obligations
to Sanger, and to add my tribute to the glory he has justly won."

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS OF WILLIAM

THOMPSON LUSK

Billevut Hospital Medical College, 1864

•■*■•■ _»

• . «

THOHPtOH Lu«H

I »

r , .■ - 1

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS OF WILLIAM
THOMPSON LUSK ON HIS GRADUATION
FROM THE BELLEVUE HOSPITAL MEDICAL
COLLEGE, 1864

In entering upon a professional career there are few
subjects that more nearly interest the neophyte than the
way to achieve success.

Now the successful physician may be sui generis. "I
have done well," says Dr. RadcliiFe, "by bullying my
patients." While Sir John Arbuthnot, tickling the ears
of Queen Anne with courtly compliments, likewise does
well, becoming the Queen's favorite physician. Possibly
address without merit may be successful, the public be-
ing the judges. But the lives of those most famous in
our profession teach us another lesson.

I take as a type case. Dr. Jenner, to whom the human
race owes a debt of gratitude greater than was ever be-
fore earned by any living man. He had no eccentricities
— no peculiar personal qualities to win him favor — but
he had the rarest habits of industry. Slowly and patiently
we find him laboring at his life's work, knowing that
nature only reveals her secrets little by little to such as
unweariedly scrutinize her ways. Yet he was very quick
to catch every thought dropped n his presence. It was
in his student days that he first heard a young peasant
woman, at the office of his preceptor, saying, " I cannot
take the small-pox; I have had the cow-pox," which
immediately set him to thinking. And gradually in his

36 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

mind the conception begins to assume the importance of
a discovery. He communicates to one or two trusted
friends the hopes and fears alternating in his bosom. He
studies the subject of vaccination from every point of
view. He goes on year after year, subjecting his theo-
ries to new tests, and more searching methods of analy-
sis. With the true scientific spirit he wishes to add facts
to facts beyond the point of conviction, up to the exclusion
of every possibility of error. Thus for twenty years he
steadily pursues his investigations, and then, at length,
offers to the world perfected his simple plan for control-
ling the most frightful disease that ever cursed the human
race. It is curious to read how the views he entertained
were first received. The public of course was incredu-
lous. I regret to say the profession was hardly less scep-
tical. Ridicule was rampant. Dr. Jenner was painted
riding on a cow. Children after vaccination were repre-
sented as bellowing and running on all fours, while grown
persons became shaggy with hair and the possessors of
superfluous horns and tails.

Dr. Jenner, conscious of being right, is tranquil under
all this storm of ridicule, and still labors patiently on to
accomplish the object nearest his heart, viz: to make the
public and the profession aware of the magnitude of his
discovery. At the present day among the valued treas-
ures of the British Museum is the skin of the cow that
furnished the first vaccine virus to Dr. Jenner, a prouder
memorial of his greatness than the proudest inscription
in Westminster Abbey. The boon conferred by him on
humanity makes us wonder at the power for good to be
derived from the labors of a single man. The work of
Dr. Jenner will serve as a type-case to show what may
prove the result of a well spent life of industry. He was

VALEDICTORY 37

able to say in his last moments^ "I do not wonder that
men are grateful to me, but I am surprised that they are
not grateful to God for making me an instrument of
good."

Next, the physician, to be successful, needs to cultivate
tact, by which I mean intuitiveness of perception, fitting
one to act before thought has had time to form, each
individual sense being, in a measure, capable of a reason
of its own. It is the exercise of this faculty, that con-
stitutes the true Art of Medicine. It is not a natural
gift, but, Sydenham tells us, "must be learned by use and
experience." It includes all powers of observation, all
acuteness, all quickness of apprehension, and holds them
ready for duty at command the moment the foot crosses
the threshold of the sick chamber. It derives fresh
strength from each successive bedside. It will not be
trammelled by routine. It guides nature in disease, and
does not kill by over-officiousness.

Only one thing more is lacking to make the good
physician. Skilled he may be in the Art, pursuing it with
a spirit of devotion, he still needs to be imbued with an
earnest spirit of humanity, his heart never closing to the
voice of sorrow. Avarice must not deafen his ears to
the pleadings of poverty. The same courtly spirit, the
same considerate regard governs the true physician, alike
when the poorest patient appeals to his sense of pity
and gratitude, or the sense of duty done is his only repay-
ment, as when summoned to the bedside of those who
cannot too bountifully reward the skill that affords relief
from pain, or immunity from a life of suffering. Dr.
Fothergill, who practised in London a century ago with
unparalleled success, says, ** I follow my business because
it is my duty, and I banish all thoughts of practising

38 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

physic as a money-getting trade, with the same solicitude
as I would the suggestions of vice or intemperance,"
and to him who practises in such a spirit, the old saying
"Dat Galenus Opes" deserves to be true.

The heart though habituated to scenes of sorrow needs
not to grow callous. Cheselden, whose marvellous dex-
terity, coolness and presence of mind never for an instant
forsook him at the operating table, would grow sick only
a few moments before, at the thought of the pain to be
inflicted, this delicacy of feeling not hindering him in
the performance of his professional duties, but serving
rather as a stimulus quickening him to new acts of mercy.

Only these three things I claim, industry, tact, and
kindness, all capable of cultivation, are essential to the
success of the young physician. We do not need to search
through old records to verify this. Men still deserve and
win success as in the days of Jenner. We owe gratitude
to the living as well as to the dead.

Let us turn for a moment to see how our science stands
in the present. Science is progressive and to-day is better
than yesterday. Men nowadays only say Credo to posi-
tive demonstrable facts. Students of nature are every-
where busy eliminating errors perpetuated by compilers
of books. Mere names are no longer entitled to rever-
ence. Time-honored theories are challenged, and the
most precious traditions rejected if they do not accord
with carefully conducted observations. Laws of disease
are derived from bedside records. A flood of light has
been shed upon our science by the study of the functions
of health. The microscope helps us to solve many mys-
teries. But we accept nothing that cannot be demon-
strated by actual experiment guarded against all chances
of error. Positivism rules absolute in science. Changes

VALEDICTORY 39

in the system to be taught necessarily revolutionize the
system of teaching. Imaginary diagrams and symbols
can no longer serve to illustrate mere fanciful hypothesis.

In this new era, each student will have the testimony
of his own senses; the contents of the Professor's note-
book is of minor interest; and the fact is recognized that
it is not right to send the young student into practice to
whom the sick-bed is known only by report, and with
naught but dogmas to govern him in the future exercise
of the most sacred professional duties. The wise teacher
would show from the bedside the varied forms of dis-
ease, and how, from day to day, health is won back
under the watchful care of the skilful physician.

To meet the wants of students it was long sought to
utilize the means afforded by the splendid public hospi-
tals of the city.

Four years ago the creation of a college equal to the
progressive demands of science was a matter of experi-
ment. Bellevue Hospital was selected as the site, and a
system was projected for the more perfect employment
of its clinical opportunities in the cause of medical edu-
cation. To-night we bear our heartiest testimony to the
success of the system adopted. Is it partiality if we claim
that the Institution which has fitted us for our future
duties, most nearly answers the students' necessities ?

We gratefully acknowledge the value of our privilege
and the extent of our indebtedness.

At such a time as this, personal preferences or predi-
lections have no place. Our thanks are offered to the
entire body of the Faculty. Thanks to them as pioneers
in a great movement in behalf of practical medicine.
Thanks to them for the untiring zeal with which they have
labored to anticipate our wants. Thanks for the cour-

40 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

tesy with which they have encouraged us to intercourse.
Thanks for the example they have set us at the bedside,
teaching us the sacredness of suffering. And we part
with them, I will not say with regret, the thought of self-
dependence is too sweet, the feeling of self-reliance too
strong for that, but we leave them carrying with us
precious memories of their kindness to us in the days of
our apprenticeship, and our heartiest wishes for the ever
increasing prosperity of the Institution with which they
are connected. Often in future practice, the familiar
lessons they have taught us, recurring to our minds, will
recall the familiar forms and faces, always awakening
afresh a feeling of thankfulness toward those to whom we
owe so much.

To-morrow we go forth, each one his own way, eager to
begin his professional life. Some to the Hospital, some to
country homes. Many, and proudest of all, to serve under
the National flag. But before we part, let us for a
moment pause. Only a few weeks ago, ay, and even a
few days only, others there were of our number not less
eager than we, whose hopes were as bright, whose aspira-
tions were pure and noble, and yet they have not answered
to their names to-night For duty with them is done. For
a moment let us linger upon their memories. When the
term commenced in the pleasant autumn months, all of us
can call to mind in our attendance at the Hospital, the quiet
figure of Dr. Rowe. We remember, notwithstanding his
unobtrusive ways, feeling the sense of his efficiency.
Kindly he was to all, but not demonstrative. Rather one
of those to make great sacrifices for others, than great pre-
tentions of affections. The stream was deep, not a rip-
pling shallow. With earnest ways and thoughts, with lofty
ideals, and an overruling sense of duty, he had those quali-

VALEDICTORY 41

ties in a rare degree which most lend beauty to our profes-
sion. I mean the ministering qualities, added to keenness
of intellect. Hardly conscious of his own physical needs,
he could take into exact account the sufferings of others.
In his readiness to help another he hardly knew the mean-
ing of self-sacrifice. Thus we find him never flinching
at his post. Sickness pulls down others, but he only labors
the more strenuously to supply their place. A comrade
is dying of fever, and the air of his chamber is poisonous
with contagion. He will watch at that bedside, he says.
He will listen to no remonstrances, to no selfish words of
caution. He answers the timid, with, " I believe in Christ
and do not fear to die," and he watches at the bedside
of Olmstead, till he sees the parting of the spirit. Then
in a little while he himself droops and sickens. The fever
craves another victim, and, looking in on his sick-chamber,
we find that he who only a few days before could not do
or risk enough to serve another, is shocked at the very
thought of others endangering their lives for him. His
family would take him home, and nurse him tenderly.
He will not go though, thinking only of their safety.
Friends would watch at his bedside. He will not have
them. Life is bright and beautiful and they must cherish
it. In a few short days his young life, so full of devotion,
begins to flicker, and then goes out. For so rare a spirit
death has no pang.

Again only a few days ago, two more of our number
left seats vacant in the college lecture-room, whose forms
and faces had grown familiar to us during the term.
Two whom we knew as always diligent, always attentive,
listening like true earnest disciples, eager for instruction,
conscious of their future work. Harris and Hickok!
Two more victims of contagion. Harris had already

42 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

passed his examination^ and was just admitted a member
of the profession. How he had labored fully to qualify
himself for usefulness, few can know. Conscientious in all
things, he was most conscientious in this. He had already
chosen the Army for the exercise of his vocation, and
was looking forward shortly to be assigned to duty. Each
day he began and ended with prayer. Death came sud-
denly but did not find him unprepared. Hickok was
called away as a bright future was opening before him.
Those who knew him best speak of him with enthusiasm.
Letters from friends at home pay touching tributes to his
excellence of character. His preceptor grows warm in
praising him, and, already as a student, chooses him as
his successor. Classmates who were his intimates, say:
"Speak your best of his memory, for he was worthy."
Thus in our gladness of heart to-night it is good to call
the dead to mind.

On the eve of battle we see friends clasping hands and
bidding God-speed to one another. When the battle is
over we find companions seeking companions, the
living gazing on the parted lips of the dead, oozing
wounds pleading dumbly to our sympathies, and then we
recognize the hero, in spite of all disfigurement. As
we gaze on the mutilated form, our hearts beat quicker
and quicker, our spirits kindle, and we pay the tribute
of spontaneous applause to him who surrenders life and
interest to sustain the cause of his country, and we do
well thus to honor him. But are we to keep silent when
the scene changes, and, without glitter of arms or brilliant
pageant, faithful souls are found ready to pass through
the midst of death, thinking not of themselves, earnest
only for the welfare of others? Have we no applause
in honor of these — the heroes of our profession ? I say

)

VALEDICTORY

let the noble examples of Hickok, Harris, and Rowe,
keep alive in our hearts the true heroic spirit of self-
sacrifice, which shed beauty upon their souls as their
eyelids were closing in death. Oh! my brothers, I say
let us go forth to-night clasping hands, and bidding
God-speed to one another. Who are soon to fall in the
battle of life, we know not, but among the fallen, we will
recognize our heroes and rejoice to do them honor. I
have said that to-day is better than yesterday. I say
now that to-morrow will be better than to-day. And we
are for a little while to be the guardians of the future, a
sacred trust which we are to assume, forgetting not that
our work is one that will not admit of play, for which
we must fit ourselves by the light of an enthusiasm kindled
in a desire to do good, and in doing good to others find
our true reward. And thus may we hope to realize the
words of the Roman orator: "Men in no wise so nearly
resemble the Gods, as when engaged in giving health
to their fellowmen."

In an address entitled "The Illustrious Boerhaave/' ^ delivered
before the graduating class of the Medical Department of Yale Univer-
sity, June 26, 1894, attendant upon his receiving the degree of LL.D.,
Dr. Lusk wrote the following:

*'Of the serious questions which need to be considered at the outset
of a professional career, there is none more vital than that of personal
conduct. This is recognized by the provision for the medical man of a
code of ethics, which shows him how the portion of the ten command-
ments which teaches one's duty toward one's neighbor, is applicable
to his dealings with the public and with other medical men. It is use-
ful to the class which need to be reminded that for uprightness a man
should do no murder, should not steal, should not bear false witness,
should not covet. But the sweetness and light which should govern our
relations to others are not the product of written law. The real train-
ing comes from action with attendant victories and defeats. There is,
however, a special inspiration to higher effort which is derived from
the study of the lives of distinguished men."

* Popular Science Monthly. May, 1895.

•J

WAR LETTERS OF WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Captain^ Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Volunteers^

1861-1863

Afterward M,D,^ LL.D.

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WAR LETTERS OF WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Captain, Assistant Adjutant-General, United States Volunteers,

1861-1863

June 27th, 1 86 1.
Dear Cousin Lou:

Did I not promise to write you, when the time came
to say good-bye ? Aye, oh best of women ! And now
I am fulfilling my promise hastily, for in an hour I shall
be on my way to Washington. You must feel with me
in my happiness! At length I am judged worthy to ex-
pose my life for my country^s sake. I go to join the
79th Regiment. Think, Cousin Lou, I am going to see
real danger, real privation, real work — not as a mere
Carpet-Knight, talking valorously to girls, but going
forth in all humility to help to conquer in the name of
God and my Country. Pray for me. Cousin Lou! Not
for my life — I never prayed for that in any hour of peril
— but pray that I may never falter, whether my duty
shall lead me to honor or to death.

Good-bye Cousin. Love to Mr. Grant, Cousin Laura,
Cousin Henry, the children, and all friends.

Lovingly,
Willie.

Hurrah! Off in ten minutes, so Au-Revoir here or
hereafter.

**Life of General Isaac /. Stevens," Vol, II, p. 321.

"For many years the Highland Guard was a crack New York City
Militia Battalion, composed of Scots, or men of Scottish lineage. They

48 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

wore the kilt as their uniform, and, for fatigue or undress, a blue jacket
with red facings, and trousers of Cameronian tartan. At the breaking
out of the rebellion, the battalion was raised to a full regiment by the
addition of two companies and filling up the ranks, and on May 13th,
1 861, entered the United States service for three years as the 79th High-
landers, New York Volunteers. . . .

"One company contained so many bookkeepers and clerks, that it
was known as the Clerk's Company."

Page 327. In August, 1861, "the Highlanders still wore the blue
jacket with red facings, but the regulation uniform as to the remainder.
Later, when the jackets were worn out, they were uniformed like other
troops."

Georgetown Heights, July ist, 1861.

Headquarters 79th Regiment.

Dear Mother:

At length I have an opportunity to inform you of my
doings since we parted.

I will spring over details however, to say that I am now
with Elliott at the Barracks of the 79th Regt. — that I
slept last night upon the floor — that I am not yet Lieu-
tenant, though assured of an eventual appointment —
so until I write that I am entitled to wear the epaulets,
please direct my letters to the care of Lieut. S. R. Elliott,
loth Co., 79th Regt., N. Y. S. M., Washington, D. C.
Up to the present I have enjoyed myself much and am
delighted with the novelty of the situation. However,
I have no catalogue of hardships to complain of, as I
have been dining in the best of company at a very good
Secessionist Hotel which lies handy to our quarters, so
please, dear mother, don't expose yourself to any priva-
tions, for the purpose of better sympathizing with me as
regards camp experiences. . . . Elliott you know, and I
need not sound his praises. . . . By-the-way, my ex-
penses here to Washington were paid by a grateful coun-

WAR LETTERS 49

try, and in this wise. Young Quartermaster Elliott,
meeting me at the Steamboat Landing, introduced me to
some officers of a Maine Regt. on its way hither. I was
introduced as Lieut. Lusk and in that capacity was invited
to occupy the car appropriated for the staff. The officers
manifested some curiosity regarding the Regt. I was sup-
posed to represent, so it was with no little difficulty that
I resorted to such evasions as would enable me to cover
my ignorance. I pronounced the 79th Regt. to be the
finest in the field, and was looked upon quite respectfully.

We are now delightfully quartered on Georgetown
Heights in the Catholic College, but are going into Camp
today. Yesterday a preacher from the Scottish Kirk
discoursed to the soldiers in the yard. The Catholic
priests must have shuddered at the terrible sacrilege,
but even sectarianism must bend to meet the exigencies
of war.

Elliott sends kind regards to you, and the sisters,
and Hunt. Love to all.

Very afFec^y.,

W. T. LusK.

Care of Lieut. S. R. Elliott,

loth Co., 79 Regiment, Virginia.

Glebewood, Virginia, July 8th, 1861.
My Dear Mother:

You see from the above that the "sacred soil" con-
tinues to be invaded. General Scott is inexorable, so,
notwithstanding the protests of the States Right supporters.
Regiment after Regiment crosses the line, and the sanctity
of the Old Dominion is violated by the desecrating foot-
steps of the ruthless horsemen. Yesterday we left George-

so WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

town and after two hours march arrived at our present
camping ground. A romantic scene it was last night,
arriving as we did at an evening hour. But our advent
was followed by a dreadful act of destruction! The ruth-
less invaders charged with full force upon a snake-fence,
demolished it, laid the pieces upon four different piles,
and set to them the incendiary torch; soon our camp
fires were blazing. The men fell into groups, some song-
singing, some keeping guard, while here and there hoarse
laughter showed that the solemnity of invading the sacred
soil did not entirely prevent the outburst of unseasonable
hilarity. Then the stars shone brightly, and the comet
whisked its tail for us, and the tattoo sounded for sleepy
s souls to say their prayers before sinking into slumber.
But when all was ready, the baggage-wagons were still
far from us, lagging sadly behind, so we had no tents
to cover us, but lay in the long grass looking upward at
the silent stars. Those of us who had brought our blankets
were fortunate, those of us who had trusted in an unsol-
dierly way, for the wagons to bring them to us, and I
was one oT those, could do naught else than lie without
any barrier between us and the bare soil — "sacred soil*'
— stickey, clayey soil it was too — of the "Sovereign
State of Virginia." Owing to its quality much of it stuck
to us, but it being the real "sacred" stuff you know,
made us regard our soiled garments with becoming rever-
ence. We woke early this morning, you can imagine, as
the sun rises hot in these regions, but we woke in excel-
lent spirits. Our poor little Lieutenant was found after
the Reveille y still enjoying his morning dreams. "Fence
him in!" the Captain orders. With the greatest alacrity
a couple of men took some rails, and while the youth
still slept, built a sort of a chicken-coop around him.

WAR LETTERS 51

Then a circle laughing and employing derisive epithets
was formed about the unfortunate. At these unwonted
sounds our little Lieutenant awoke, looking irresistibly
comical, in a state of utter bewilderment. As he released
himself from his confinement, he looked so pitiable that
the mirth excited was only the more increased.

I saw Ned Tyler yesterday. He is looking well.
Much better than I had expected. We had a pleasant
time together, though our interview was interrupted by
our march hitherward. Major-General Tyler, who is to
command our Division I believe, also looked well — and
full of business.

Good-bye, Mother. In these times let us put our trust
in God and accept the inevitable.

Very affectionately,

Willy.

The ygth Highlanders," p, 16,

About July I2th, Col. W. T. Sherman was made commander of the
brigade of which the 79th Highlanders formed a part, while Brigadier-
General Daniel Tyler of Connecticut, commanded the division.

[Skirmish of Blackburn's Ford]

Near Centre ville, July 19th, 1861.

My dear Mother:

I am happy to write you of my continued health and
good spirits. We had an adventurous time since I wrote
you so hurriedly a few days ago. Leaving our encamp-
ment we marched on, halting often to remove trees and
such other impediments as a retreating foe could place
in our way. The first night we passed in Vienna. The

52 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

next day we advanced on toward Fairfax Court House. We
were drawn up about two miles off in line of battle upon
rolling ground, and the batteries placed where they could
play upon the enemy. Five shots from our guns sufficed
to start our friends the foe again, so we advanced further,
passing a deserted battery on the way. At noon we were
in Germantown, which place we found deserted, and soon
the soldiers were ransacking the houses for food, destroy-
ing and burning what they could not use themselves. I
am happy to say the boys in my company had little hand
in these doings, as such paltry work finds little countenance
from its officers. Germantown is but a poor place though
and ^200 would probably cover any damage done to it.
At night we bivouacked upon fields where the enemy's
fires were still burning, not far from Centreville. Here
we were but a mile or two from the Secessionists, and the
firing of pickets caused frequent alarms, calling us to our
posts once in the middle of the night. We were all awak-
ened by the long roll of the drum, which is the signal of
an advance. We heard then what seemed to us all in
our half sleepy state, the tramp of cavalry upon us. Our
toilettes were hastily made you can imagine, and soon we
stood in silence not knowing whence the attack would
come, but after an hour's anticipation all became still,
so the "chivalry" must have changed their minds and
returned back to their posts. I cannot enumerate all the
alarms we have had, for there is only paper enough to
tell of our part in yesterday's fight. About noon, I should
think, for I have no means of calculating the time, we heard
cannon firing not far off. There was no alarm sounded,
so we lay around, sleeping, talking, and laughing with
the utmost indifference. About 3 o'clock we were called
to arms and, in the highest spirits, were marched off

WAR LETTERS 53

at a "Double Quick," hoping that the 79th might have
some share in the conflict now at hand. We found a
Massachusetts Captain, an acquaintance of one of our
sergeants. "We are going to give them fits'* says the
Captain. It was not half an hour afterwards we saw
his body borne back in one of our ambulances. When
near the field of action we were divided off in line, con-
cealed in the edge of the wood. The cannon balls whipped
about us on all sides. The enemy, either by accident, or
knowing of our presence, had us directly in their range.
One man in my platoon was struck in the leg. Thank
God our loss was not greater. We were totally unaware
of our destination. It was found afterwards we had
been stationed out to cover the retreat of the Brigade
already in action. After a while the cannon ceased
firing and we were marched oflF to our present bivouack.

You must know the particulars of yesterday's skirmish
by the papers a thousand times better than I can tell you.

Excuse the style of this letter, for it is written with the
paper on the side of an axe. An order has just been
issued imposing the severest penalties upon all those who
shall in any wise trespass on private property. I am now
ready to march forward with a lighter heart, for it was
not pleasant to be connected with thieves — call thieving
confiscation or what you will.

My best love, dearest Mother, for all. Keep up a
light heart and trust in the Power of Him who ruleth all.

Very aflPec'y.,

W. T. LusK,

Lieut, loth Co. ygth Regt.

(A part of this letter was published in the Norwich
Morning Bulletin of July 23d, 1861).

54 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Rebellion Record," Vol. II y f, 55 of Documents.

The following is taken from Gen. McDowell's general orders of
July 1 8th, 1 86 1, written from Fairfax Court House:

"It is with the deepest mortification the general commanding finds
it necessary to reiterate his orders for the preservation of the property
of the inhabitants of the district occupied by the troops under his com-
mand. Hardly had we arrived at this place, when, to the horror of every
right-minded person, several houses were broken open, and others were
in flames, by the act of some of those who, it has been the boast of the
loyal, came here to protect the oppressed, and free the country from
the domination of a hated party. . . . Any one found committing the
slightest depredation, killing pigs or poultry, or trespassing on the prop-
erty of the inhabitants, will be reported to headquarters, and the least
that will be done to them will be to send them to the Alexandria jail."

Skirmish of Blackburn's Ford
July 18, 1861
**The ygth Highlanders,'* p. 18.

At 2 o'clock in the afternoon of July i6th the march began.

Page 19. "At daylight of the 17th the march was resumed. As
Germantown was approached about noon, an earthwork on a hill di-
rectly in our front was observed. A section of artillery was ordered to
the front and a few shells fired into it without, however, eliciting a re-
sponse; the skirmish line advanced, found the works deserted, and
when the flag of the leading regiment was placed on the parapet the men
cheered as though a great victory had been obtained."

Page 20. "Our advance was made with extreme caution. Rumors
of masked batteries, such as General Schenck had run into at Vienna,
were rife among the men; to our imagination every strip of woods con-
tained a body of 'secesh' infantry, and every hillock a concealed bat-
tery. ... As no enemy appeared the men began to grow careless.
Gen. McDowell says: *They stopped every moment to pick black-
berries or get water, they would not keep in the ranks, order as much as
you please; when they came where water was fresh they would pour the
old water out of their canteens and fill them with fresh water; they were
not used to denying themselves much; they were not used to journeys
on foot.' The Highlanders straggled as much as any regiment — more,
our brigade commander" (W. T. Sherman) "thought, than any other."

Page 21. "On the night of the 17th we bivouacked a short distance
east from Centreville; during the night an alarm was raised by musket
firing at the outposts near the town, but we were not called into line."

Page 22. "When McDowell began his march he expected to en-
counter only Beauregard's army at Manassas. . . . Beauregard, by

WAR LETTERS 55

means of spies at Washington, was kept well informed of the plans of
General Scott, and knew, the night before, that the army was to start on
the 1 6th. He at once communicated the intelligence to Richmond, and the
authorities there advised Johnston to cooperate with Beauregard, and
also ordered the force at Acquia Creek to join the latter. Beauregard
ordered his troops, who occupied the roads over which the Union army
advanced, to 'retire before superior numbers,' and fall back on the
main body now securely posted along the western bank of Bull Run,
from the Stone Bridge on the north, to Union Mills on the South, a dis-
tance of about six miles. Between, and including these two points,
there were seven places at which an army might cross: . . . the Stone
Bridge, Lewis* Ford, Ball's Ford, Mitchell's Ford, Blackburn's Ford,
McLean's Ford, and lastly, the railroad bridge and ford at Union Mills.
. . . Longstreet's brigade guarded Blackburn's Ford."

Page 24. General Tyler "decided to make a reconnoissance, and . . .
proceeded toward Blackburn's Ford."

Page 25. " Between eighty and ninety of Richardson's brigade had
been killed, wounded and captured — and General Tyler, recalling his
instructions 'not to bring on an engagement,' ordered the troops to
withdraw. The loss was very heavy — far too heavy — for a mere
reconnoissance, but the fact was developed that the fords of Bull Run
were so well guarded, that McDowell's plan would need revision before
the main attack was made."

[First Battle of Bull Run]

July 28th, 1 86 1.
Dear Mother:

A week has passed since our misfortunes at Bull's
Run, and in all the intervening time I've had only oppor-
tunity to let you know that I was safe. But I must tell
you something of that unlucky day, for I know you had
rather have the story from my own lips. As I promised
Henry Goddard to write once in a while for the Bulletin^
I will put my story in a form to suit that sheet, if you think
proper to communicate it : —

We too have breathed into our nostrils the smoke of
battle, we too have listened to the voice of the cannon,
we too have seen the finest of pagents, the most splen-

56 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

did of dramatic spectacles — the death struggle between
armed arrays of men. We, who only yesterday were
numbered among the "Sons of the Muses," find ourselves
today counted among the full-fledged "Sons of Mars."
We have fought, suflFered, and survived to tell our tale.
"To-morrow morning at 2 o'clock be ready for an
advance, provided with a couple of day's provisions,"
is the command we receive on Saturday evening, and at
the chilly hour appointed, without the sounding of the
ReveilUy we are noiselessly summoned to our Arms. We
stand in silence at our posts until the red glare of the
rising sun had followed the dark hour before dawn.
Then we marched on, gay of heart, and full of confi-
dence. We cross Bull's Run, and see men cutting trees
by the bridge. We ask their reason. "It is to cover a
retreat," they tell us. "Ho! Ho!" How we laughed at
the thought of our retreating! What innocent woodmen
those were that could talk of us defeated ! It was a bonnie
sight to see us then, eager for battle, dreaming of vic-
tory. Some three miles we marched on, and then were
drawn in the woods in line of battle. In line we advanced
till we came to the edge of the forest, where we were told
to lie down to avoid the range of the enemy's cannon.
About 6 o'clock a couple of pieces of our artillery to the
left of us opened a fire upon such of an unseen foe as
our skirmishers were able to discover. Long our pieces
were unanswered. How glorious, we thought, this firing
on the foe, and ourselves in seeming safety! How we
laughed when afar we could see an exploding shell scatter-
ing the enemy in confusion, who for a short moment
were thus forced to show themselves on open ground.
The fields before us were occupied by our officers recon-
noitring. Away off on the line of wood-covered hills two

WAR LETTERS 57

or three miles away, we could see the glitter of bayonets.
Seen from a tree, they were found to belong to fine troops,
well equipped, and marching in order — troops not to
be scattered by threats, but worthy of being combatted.
Upon an elevated open space of ground before us to the
right, we could see more troops moving — horsemen
riding — above all one on a white horse who seemed to
be everywhere. The sun grew warm and we became
listless. The artillery continued to discharge its Death
messengers, the sharp rattle of musketry was heard to
our right, volley after volley following in quick succession,
yet many of us slept, quietly awaiting our turn to be sum-
moned to action. About 11 o'clock two horses came
galloping riderless toward us. While surmising whence
they came, we were called to rise and march to battle.
We sprung from the earth like the armed men of Cadmus.
On we rushed by the flank, over fields, through woods,
down into ravines, plunging into streams, up again onto
rising meadows, eager, excited, thrilled with hot desire
to bear our share in routing the enemy. We cheered,
and yelled, pressing onward, regardless of shells now and
then falling among us, thinking only of a sharp fight
and a certain victory. At last we reached the lines of the
brave boys of the 69th. Here the American banner was
planted, so we shouted lustily, for the spot had not long
since been wrung from the foe.

From many a point not long since covered by secession
forces, the American banner now floated. What wonder
we felt our hearts swelling with pride, and saw, hardly
noticing, horse and rider lying stiffs, cold and bloody
together! What, though we stepped unthinking over the
pale body of many a brave fellow still grasping convul-
sively his gun, with the shadows of Death closing around

58 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

him! We were following the foe, I have said, and were
dreaming only of victory. So we were marched to the
edge of a slope which sheltered us partially from the aim
of the enemy's artillery. Here lying prostrate, shell after
shell flew over our heads, or tore up the ground around.
Now we could feel the hot breath of a cannon ball fan
our cheeks; now we could see one fairly aimed, falling
among our horses, and rolling them prostrate; and now
again one of these messengers would come swift into
the ranks of one of our columns, and without a thought
or a groan, a soul was hurried into eternity.

After about an hour in this trying position, we were
called up and turned into the road, where Death began
to make sad havoc in our ranks. Surely aimed, the shot
of the enemy fell among us. We could not see the foe,
and then it was terrible to see our own boys, whose faces
we knew, and whose hands we had pressed, falling in
Death agony. We heard, while marching stealthily, a
great shout, and looking we saw a hill before us, covered
with the Ellsworth Zouaves. A moment more, and from
the top of the hill, from unseen hands blazed a terrible
discharge of arms. It was one of those masked batteries,
which have so often brought us misfortune. Bravely
fought the Zouaves, but they had to fall back from that
hellish fire. Other Regiments made the charge but only
to be repulsed with ranks thinned and broken. At length
our turn came. Up we rushed — our brave Colonel
with us.

The first fire swept our ranks like a quick darting pes-
tilence. "Rally, boys — Rally!** shouted the officers, and
a brave rally was made. Our men stood firmly firing,
answering volley by volley. Here we felt the worthless-
ness of our old Harper's Ferry muskets, when matched

WAR LETTERS 59

against the rifles of the enemy. Tall men were mowed
down about me. Wounded men begged their comrades
to press on, and not to risk anything by lingering near
them. We were only some twenty yards from a battery,
belching forth a thick heavy hail of grape and canister,
shell and fire of musketry. With unerring accuracy the
enemy's riflemen singled out our officers and mighty
men. Suddenly we saw the American flag waving over
the battery. "Cease firing" was the order given, and
for a short moment we believed the battery was ours.
It was the enemy though that had raised the flag to de-
ceive us. As we lowered our arms, and were about to
rally where the banner floated, we were met by a terrible
raking fire, against which we could only stagger.

"By the Lord, but I believe them coons 's too cunning for
us!** cried an old soldier near me. We halted, fell back,
and the hillside was left to such only as lingered to bear
away their wounded comrades.

As we passed down we saw our Colonel lying still, in
the hands of Death. He had fallen bravely, breast to
the foe, not wishing to cherish his own life, while the
lives of his men were imperilled. Over the sad dishearten-
ing retreat let us not linger — let it be covered by the dark-
ness of the night which followed. We took with us 750
brave men into the battle, but our roll call shows that 199
are numbered among the dead, the wounded, and the
missing. Six captains of ours are silent now when their
names are called. They died with many of their men,
careless of Death, willing to give up all things, even life
in its sweetness, for the good of the Republic. " Dulce
et decorum est pro patria mori."

L. of the yqth.

6o WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I have received only three letters from you, the rest
probably having been intercepted by the enemy while
I was in Virginia.

Very afFec'y.,

Will Lusk.

First Battle of Bull Run
July 21, 1861

"Rebellion Record,*' Vol, II, />. 13 of Documents.

Colonel W. T. Sherman says in his report of the Battle of Bull Run: "I
have the honor to submit this my report of the operations of my brigade
during the action of the 21st inst. The brigade was composed of the 13th
New York Volunteers, Col. Quimby; 69th New York, Col. Corcoran;
79th New York, Col. Cameron; 2d Wisconsin, Lieut.-Col. Peck; and
Company E., 3d Artillery, under command of Capt. R. B. Ayres, Fifth
Artillery. We left our camp near Centreville pursuant to orders at
2:30 a.m., taking place in your column next to the brigade of Gen.
Schenck, and proceeded as far as the halt before the enemy's position,
near the stone bridge at Bull Run. Here the brigade was deployed in
line along the skirt of timber, and remained quietly in position till after
10 a. m. . . . The regiment" (69th New York) "rallied again, passed the
brow of the hill a second time, and was again repulsed in disorder. By this
time the New York 79th had closed up, and in like manner it was ordered
to cross the brow of the hill and drive the enemy from cover. . . .The
fire of rifles and musketry was very severe. The 79th headed by its
Colonel (Cameron), charged across the hill, and for a short time the
contest was severe. They rallied several times under fire, but finally
broke and gained the cover of the hill. ... But about 9 o'clock at
night I received from General Tyler in person, the order to continue the
retreat to the Potomac. This retreat was by night and disorderly in
the extreme. The men of different regiments mingled together. . . .
Our loss was heavy, all around us; but the short exposure to an intense
fire of small arms, at close range, had killed many, wounded more, and
had produced disorder in all the battalions that had attempted to destroy
it. . . . Col. Cameron was mortally wounded leading the regiment in
the charge."

In Col. W. T. Sherman's brigade there were 1 1 1 killed, 205 wounded,
293 missing; total 609.

• "Rebellion Record," Vol, II, p. 47 of Documents.

Southern Account of Battle of Bull Run.

"By Divine favor we are again victorious. To God be the glory.
The armies of the North and South yesterday faced each other — the

WAR LETTERS 6i

former not less than 50,000 men" (Error. Really 33,000, only 18,000 of
whom were engaged) "the latter not exceeding 30,000 — and wrestled
together for six long hours, with that desperate courage which Americans
only can show."

After a description of the battle, the account goes on to say, " It is,
however, due to truth to say that the result of this hour hung trembling
in the balance. We had lost numbers of our most distinguished officers.
. . . The tide of battle was turned in our favor by the arrival of Gen.
Kirby Smith from Winchester, with 4,000 men of Gen. Johnston's
division. . . . They were at first supposed to be the enemy, their arrival
at that point of the field being entirely unexpected. The enemy fell
back, and a panic seized them. . . . Thus was the best-appointed
army that had ever taken the field on this continent beaten, and com-
pelled to retreat in hot haste."

The Dark Day

" Rebellion Record," Vol, II, p. 388 of Documents.

Part of a Letter of Edward Everett, written a month after the Battle of

Bull Run.

"There probably never was a military disaster, of which the impor-
tance was more unduly magnified, than that of the 21st of July in
front of Manassas. After a severe and protracted encounter between
the two armies, which, it is admitted, was about to terminate in a
drawn battle, if not even in favor of the United States, the Con-
federates were largely reinforced, a panic arose on the part of the
teamsters and civilians following in the train of our forces, the alarm
gradually spread to the troops, a retreat commenced, and ended in a
general rout. The losses of the enemy in the meantime were equal to
our own ; he was unable to pursue our flying regiments, and they reoccii-
pied, unmolested, the positions from which (from political reasons, and
against the judgment of the Commander-in-Chief) the premature advance
was made. . . . There is reason to think that, though the United States
forces engaged on the 21st of July under almost every conceivable dis-
advantage — (raw troops to a great extent, whose term of service was
expiring, coming under fire for the first time, after a weary march be-
neath a blazing sun, contending on strange ground with fresh opponents
sheltered by field-woiks that had been in course of construction for
weeks) — nothing happened beyond the average ill-luck of unsuccess-
ful battles. . . .

** But it will be said. General McDowell's army was not only worsted,
it fled in wild disorder from the field. I apprehend most defeated
armies do that. The Roman veterans of the army of Pompeius did it at
the battle of Pharsalia. ... A greater than Pompeius was vanquished
at Waterloo; but the French writers all but unanimously claim that they

62 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

had the advantage till the arrival of the Prussian reinforcement at the
close of the day. Then, says the English historian of the battle, 'The
whole French Army became one mass of inextricable confusion.' "

The following newspaper clipping was evidently written after the
Battle of Bull Run:

"A large proportion of the patients at both the Georgetown hos-
pitals are from the Seventy-ninth (Highland) Regiment and the Wis-
consin Second, and I am convinced that in the various reports of
the battles, these regiments have not been given the credit they richly
deserve. Headed by the fearless Cameron, the former was ever in the
hottest of the fight. Charged and rechargod by the infuriate enemy,
the target of their most desperate and concentrate fire, chased, divided,
scourged and trampled by the Black Horse cavalry, they stood all,
worthy the historic blood coursing in their veins, and won for Scotia
fresh and strong claims upon American gratitude."

(E. F. LusK TO Mrs. Henry G. Thompson)

Norwich, July 28th, 1861.

ear Loustn Louisa:

I will not commence with prefatory remarks but hasten
to reply to your questions about my boy. Mr. Abbott
returned from Washington to-day. He found Will well,
and well cared for at the house of Lt.-Col. Elliott, whose
family are bestowing upon him every imaginable kindness.
Oh! dear Louisa, God's promise has not failed, and the
widow's son is not only safe, but he has added joy to his
mother's heart by his noble conduct. Col. Elliott told
Mr. Abbott he should be promoted, that his courage and
prudence were rare, and eminently qualified him to be an
officer. Mr. A. wept as he spoke of his appearance on the
battlefield, his courage and resolution never failing
though surrounded by his dead and dying comrades.
The Colonel said, "that boy is not known, but he must
be now." I do not hesitate to write you this, dear friend.
God knows I rejoice tremblingly, but I share him now
with the country to whom he is devoting all the energies

WAR LETTERS 63

of his earnest spirit. If you or any friend feel like writ-
ing him, direct to Washington, Lieut. William T. Lusk,
loth Co. 79th Highland Regiment; he has not written
even me, for he has no time, but as soon as he can be
spared he hopes to come to me for a day or two. I notice
by the papers he was in the hottest of the fight and that
the regiment was covered "with immortal honor." Tell
Laura, as he is connected with the Highlanders, I would
like to know something of his Scotch ancestry we have so
often laughed about. Pray for him my friend. God
never seemed so near as in this dark hour. I know that
He pities his sorrowing children, remembering "we are
but dust." With much love to all our dear Enfield
friends,

I remain

Affectionately yours,

E. F. LusK.

Meridian Hill, Washington,

Aug. 1st, 1 86 1.
Dear Cousin Lou:

I am seated in my tent, the rain is pouring in torrents,
and I am at leisure to think of friends at home. You
see whom I was first remembering, not having forgotten
the kind letter which Mr. Houston brought me from
Thompsonville, when I was somewhere over in Virginia.
I thank you so much for all the dear, kind expressions of
love your letter contained.

Oh! Ah! Here come about twenty-five men or more
with complaints, and as the Captain is away, I must
straighten up, and play the part of Magistrate. Oh
Olympian Jove! Oh Daniel risen to judgment! The

64 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

malcontents have been severally coaxed, wheedled, threat-
J ened, and sent about their business, and the Centurion is
once again at leisure. A pleasant thing is this exercise
of power, especially when commands can be given in
the quietest manner possible, and yet to feel that from
your judgment there can be no appeal. In fact, dear
Cousin Lou, imagine me when the Captain is away, per-
forming the paternal function towards some hundred
grown up children. Ah me! I am growing venerable and
cares are weighing heavily upon me.

But I must not forget that I am a veteran soldier now.
Poor Horace! How I shall assume superior airs, tell
him, when I return home! In fact when, one of these days,
I get a furlough and am surrounded by friends, how I
shall exercise my soldier's privilege of drawing the long
bow! In my first battle, of course, I performed the
most remarkable deeds of daring. I shall not pretend to
tell you how many Secessionists I killed! Between our-
selves though, in all privacy, I will confess that the fearful
weapon with which I struck such terror in the hearts of
the enemy, was a toy wooden sword, captured by one
of our men from a secession boy-baby. In the great
battle of Manassas, holding the occasion to be one of
greater moment, I made the charge armed with a ram-
rod, which I picked up on the way thither! I acknowl-
edge I found the work hotter than I anticipated in the
latter engagement, and mean in future to go armed in
regulation style. The truth of the matter was, that being
ordered suddenly to march from our pleasant encamp-
ment in Georgetown, I was found unprepared, and must
either stay behind, or trust to my pistol in case of emer-
gency. I preferred the latter, and the kind Providence
has brought me safely through the fiery ordeal, through

WAR LETTERS 65

which we all had to pass. What think you, dear Cousin
Lou of our miserable defeat ? It seems hard, as we lost
many good men out of our Regiment on that bloody day.
I saw many things never to be forgotten. No matter
for sickening details though. The ground lost must be
recovered at any cost. We have lost out of the 800 who
went into the engagement about 150 in killed and wounded,
besides some fifty more numbered among the missing.
Hardship and exposure have caused much sickness in
the camp. Most of the liquor-dealing Captains and
Lieutenants who commanded before the battle, have re-
signed, many others are dead or in the hands of the enemy
— so I can give no very cheerful picture of our camp at
present. We are to be soon thoroughly reorganized, to
be cared for tenderly by the President and Secretary of
War, to be recruited to the army standard, and when
once more discipline shall be enforced, we trust that
the 79th will be able to charge as gallantly as at Manassas,
but that the charge may result not in mere loss of life, but
in glorious victory.

You would be much entertained, could you only see
behind the scenes, at the daring feats of individuals, which
are passing the rounds of the papers. A specimen is
afforded by a story I read in the Herald of a certain Cap-
tain who is reported to have repeatedly rallied the

men of the 79th and led them back to battle. Now

the fact is that Captain never was within three

days journey of the battle, and moreover, at least ten days
before the engagement the Colonel threatened him with
arrest should he dare to show himself in the Regiment.
Captain wrote the article himself, and had it pub-
lished. This is only an isolated example of the manner
by which this war is made to subserve the dirtiest of

66 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

politicians. I have had no letter from Horace, and but
few from home since I left New- York. I suppose some
of the letters addressed to me, have been captured by the
Secessionists, and have been perused with the same gusto
that we felt when a package of the enemy's letters fell
into our hands. Of course we had to read them to glean
as far as possible the state of political feeling in the South,
and I blush to say we read with special interest the tender
epistles which fair South Carolina maidens penned for
the eye alone of South Carolina heroes. Think of such
sacred pages being polluted by the vulgar gaze of a parcel
of peddHng Yankees.

We learned some of the peculiarities of the Aborigines
down South from these epistles. We learned that the
ladies are so modest that they write of themselves with
a little i — that all Southern babies send their papas

"Howdy" — that a certain perfidious

is "cortin the gall" of one of the brave palmetto soldiers
who is congratulated by his sister upon having slain
3000 Yankees — that the ladies in the South are thirsting
for the blood of the Northern mercenaries, and, above all,
penmanship, spelling and composition showed that the
greatest need of the South, is an army of Northern School-
masters. Well, Cousin Lou, I must not write for ever,
so good-bye. Love to all in Enfield and in Pelham.

Very affectionately,

Wm. T. Lusk,
Lieut, loth Co, ygth Regiment^ Washington,

WAR LETTERS 67

Aug. 5th, 1 86 1.
My dear Mother:

Living now quietly without excitement, the events of
two weeks ago have become like a dream. Our camp
is beautifully situated on Meridian Hill in the suburbs
of Washington, and overlooks an enchanting prospect of
the city, and the green banks of the Potomac. The
air is fresh and healthy, and sickness which has been
very prevalent among the men, is now breaking up, and
a better appearance is beginning to be seen in the camp.
Still the shock we received in the last battle was very
great. I have written how great our loss was, and that
the same was most heavy among our officers. Fifteen
of them, six Captains and nine Lieutenants, nearly half of
the entire number, were lost to us that day. On our
return to Fort Corcoran after the battle, having walked
over thirty miles from the battlefield, having been thirty-
six hours without food or sleep, consequently exhausted
from fatigue, hunger, and want of rest, we hoped to be
allowed to throw ourselves anywhere, and to get a mouth-
ful of anything to eat. The rain poured in torrents and
we were soaked to our skins. There was not a cracker
to be had at the quarters; there was not a tent to shelter
us. We crawled into an old bam. Sherman, the com-
mander of our brigade, ordered us to come out and
stand in the rain. Many of the men were desperate.
They became clamorous for food. Sherman sneered at
them for such unsoldierly conduct. They begged for some
place to rest. He bade them sleep on the ground. They
had no blankets, many not even a jacket, and all were
shivering in the wet. The soil was oozy with water, and
deep puddles lay everywhere. The men became quer-

68 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

ulous. Sherman grew angry, called them a pack of New-
York loafers and thieves.

Oh ye Patriots, was not this a spectacle! Afterward
Sherman visited the camp with President Lincoln. The
men had grown sullen. As he drove by, they besieged
his carriage, hooted him, and reminded him who it was
that first basely deserted us on the battlefield, turning his
horse's head from us, and leaving us to our fate.

President Lincoln ordered his coachman to drive away.

Affairs were now interesting. Lieut.-Col. Elliott visited
the Secretary of War — denounced the conduct of Sher-
man in the plainest language. Everything served to
corroborate his testimony. The Secretary of War then
removed us to our present encampment, and placed us
in the Brigade of Gen'l Mansfield. We are now doing
well, but the past is not forgotten. The men feel that
they were wronged, and are discontented; officers feel
that they were insulted, and have resigned. Those of
us who remain by the Regiment are a mere handful.
Under these circumstances, and because the men fought
well at Manassas, the Government has concluded to send
us to some one of the forts near New- York for a short
time, there to recruit, and restore the organization of
the Regiment. As it is now, whole companies are with-
out officers. It is thought in a short time we may again
be upon a war footing, and ready to win fresh laurels,
only laurels that are worn after victory, not the mournful
ones that even the defeated may wear after a manful
struggle.

I am very much entertained and amused to hear of
your accounts of my heroic deeds. You don't know
the half of them. I won't pretend to say how many I
killed in the fight. About five hundred, I suppose —

f .

WAR LETTERS 69

most of them Colonels, only a few ranking less than a
Major. You say you read in the Tribune the statement
of the bearing away the body of our good Colonel, made
by Lieut. S. R. Elliott, a reliable witness. Yes, my
dear Mother, I was one of the little band mentioned in
the paragraph, but regarding that dreadful bomb-shell
which, exploding, killed five of us, I can only say that I

didn't see it. The story originated with ,

the correspondent of the Tribune^ who called one night
in a beastly state of intoxication, upon Colonel Elliott to
inquire the particulars of the fight. We were all some-
what astonished at the particulars as they appeared the
next day in the papers. You may have read too, how a

certain Captain repeatedly rallied us, and led us

back to the fight. Captain was not near the field

of battle the whole day, but being a small politician, he
stayed at home and composed an account of his gallantry,
in which perhaps there was much wisdom. You see,
Mother, what reports are worth, and I positively deny
all stories regarding myself, with the exception, of course,
of such authentic anecdotes as my having killed several
hundred Colonels, Lieut.-Colonels and Majors with a
ram-rod, which served me as the jaw-bone did Sampson
when he went out against the Philistines.

Your letters reach me now with the utmost regularity.
Thank Lilly for her kind letter too. I have been looking
for Hunt all day to-day. I suppose I shall see you when
we are transferred, perhaps to Fort Schuyler.

I was sorry not to see Mrs. Tyler when here.

Very AfFec'y.,

William T. Lusk,
Lieutenant Co. K. jgth Regiment.

70 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Meridian Hill, Washington.

Aug. nth, 1861.
My dear Mother:

I have been overjoyed by a visit from Hunt, who has
now probably returned home and reports me hearty and
well. I have been fortunate in meeting several friends
most unexpectedly during the last few days. Miss Woolsey
was at our encampment on some errand of mercy yester-
day evening. I saw her for a few moments, and promised
to call upon her and Mrs. Howland soon, which I shall
do if allowed to leave the camp. The laws are very
strict though now, and I doubt whether I shall be able
to leave the camp for some time to come. We are now
going through a stage dreaded by all officers in the army,
viz: that immediately following upon pay-day. Not-
withstanding the utmost precautions the men contrive
to obtain liquor, and when intoxicated are well-nigh
uncontrollable, so that the utmost vigilance is needful.
As the number of our officers is but small we are kept
almost constantly active. When the money is once spent we
will then breathe more freely. To-morrow I am to be the
officer commanding the Guard, so I am scribbling a few
lines rapidly to-night, as I shall be too busy to attend to
such things to-morrow, and the following day too ex-
hausted to do much after twenty-four hour's exertion.
You see all the labors of an officer generally are com-
pressed into short seasons of unexampled labor, and long
periods of repose. We have now a new Colonel —
Governor Stevens of Washington Territory. He seems
to be a first class man. His advent among us was inaugu-
rated by an order for us young officers to leave the pleas-
ant rooms we occupied when Hunt was with us, and

• • *

BRIOADIEft-GeNERAI. DaNIE1.TvI

■■f •

' I

i> :

WAR LETTERS 71

to return to our tents. This was as it should be; and
other strict measures toward officers and men show that
he is the right sort of a commander for a Regiment like
ours, requiring a strong firm hand to govern it. I trust
we may continue to be satisfied with him as our chief
officer.

I begin to regard it as a little doubtful as to whether
we really return to New York. Military men regard
such a movement as unprecedented, and as affording a
dangerous example. We will see how it is to end. You
ask me regarding Gen'l Tyler! I will answer with all
candor that he acted with the utmost bravery on the day
of the fight. It was owing to his prompt and energetic
action that once, after our Regiment was scattered, when
weary and exhausted, having also (Elliott assisting) the
additional burden of our wounded Captain to bear away,
we escaped a cavalry charge in which many of our men
were taken prisoners. When the cavalry came in sight,
and all was in confusion, you could hear his quick, sharp
voice rallying the disheartened to make such a stand as
alone would ensure them victory. The men rallied,
poured a volley of musketry into the foe galloping upon
us, at the same time giving them two fatal shots from a
couple of artillery pieces which luckily were in our pos-
session — at which time I must mention the activity
displayed by Ned Harland too. The fire was effective,
the cavalry retreated and we marched on unharmed.
Such things should shut the mouths of slander. Gen'l
Tyler unfortunately played a leading part in a fatal
engagement, and consequently must bear an undue
share of blame. His great fault seems to have been an
overweening confidence in our strength, and a great
undervaluation of the enemy. Since the fight I regret

^^ WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

to say a spirit of bitterness pervades his conversation as
well as his official report of the battle.

I have just seen Lieut.-Col. Elliott, and feel more
reason to hope we may return, as was before promised.
Give the best of love to all.

And believe me.

Very AfFec'y.,
William T. Lusk.

PThe Mutiny in the 79TH Regiment, New-York

Volunteers]

Maryland,
Camp Causten, Aug. 17th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

This has been a busy and painful week for the officers
of the Highland Regiment. You have seen various ac-
counts of our troubles in the papers, but they contain
nothing authentic, although perhaps about as much as
an outsider can understand. The mutiny of Thursday
is only the legacy of a quarrel begun among the officers
before the Regiment left for the seat of war. The quarrel
ended after the battle of Bull Run, in the resignation of
several of the officers whose ambition was disappointed
as to governing the affairs of the Regiment. Not con-
tent with withdrawing their services, these men resolved
to undermine the Regiment itself. Their plans were
well laid. In an underhand way they conveyed papers
among the men purporting that, as State Militia they
were entitled to return home at the expiration of three
months service, but that an effort would be made to detain
them for the war. By going home, it was represented
the men would receive a grand ovation, would meet their

WAR LETTERS 73

families, and be enabled to tell their tale of the Bull Run
battle. Those who had had enough of fighting could
resume their old employments, while the greater part who
were ready to re-enlist for the war, would be entitled to
the re-enlistment bounty of $30. A Government which
would give $^0 bounty for re-enlisted three month sol-
diers must place a high value upon them. "Now," the
men were told, "a secret plan has been formed to prevent
your return home at all. Lieut.-Col. Elliott has received
from Government $10,000.00 to sell you all for the war,
and to cheat you of your rights and privileges." Some
little things occurred, which as far as the men were con-
cerned, seemed corroborative of these statements, viz: —
An order which had been issued by the Secretary of War
for us to return to New- York to recruit, was recalled as
inexpedient on the day the three-month service of our
men expired. This was sufficient for them. They be-
lieved they had been sold; and the train which had been
carefully laid, exploded upon our being ordered, not into
the boat for home, but onto the road into Maryland.
Since the battle, owing to the loss through resignations
or deaths, of our Colonel, Major and 9 of the 10 Captains,
besides that of many of the Lieutenants, we were left
in a condition peculiarly unfavorable to discipline; and
this much is to be said that the companies of Captain
Ellis (my own) and that of Captain Elliott, which were
provided with officers, obeyed their orders, and refused
to join the mutineers. The mutiny commenced in the
morning by the nien's refusing to strike their tents as
commanded. They were to have been struck at 5 a.m. and
the Regiment was to move at 6 o'clock. Col. Stevens
repeated the orders, but they were still silently and sul-
lenly neglected. He then went among the men and

74 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

used all his powers of persuasion, but they had been told
that they had the law on their side, and if they only per-
severed, they would be able to return home as a militia
regiment. Col. Stevens next went to each company
singly and read the articles of war, appending to them
such remarks as would enforce in the men the danger of
their course; but by this time, the camp, left without sen-
try, became exposed to the whiskey dealers who made
good use of their opportunities. Soon a scene of the
wildest confusion took place. The soldiers, throwing
off all authority, presented the hideous and disgusting
spectacle of a debauched and drunken Helotry. It was
a time trying to one's nerves — more trying far than the
musketry or cannonading of Bull Run. The Colonel
ordered the officers to strike the tents themselves. This
we did amid the jeers, the taunts, and the insults of an
infuriated mob. One man brought me his gun, cocked
it, showed me it was capped, and reminded me it was
intended for one officer at least to die, should our release
be attempted. Still we worked quietly on, obeying our
orders. Some of the Lieutenants were allowed to take
down the tents undisturbed, but on leaving them a mo-
ment, they were again pitched by the men. Everywhere
we were threatened, and it became equally necessary to
show neither fear of the men, nor, on the other hand,
to allow ourselves any act of violence which would pre-
cipitate bloodshed. Luckily for us, when the men were
most maddened by drink, an old country quarrel broke
out among them, viz: — the feud between the Orangemen
and the Ribandmen, which we only know of through
English novels, and history. We were not, however,
altogether forgotten. Names neither poetical, decent, or
complimentary were freely bestowed upon us. Finally

WAR LETTERS 75

afternoon advanced, and nothing was gained. The Col-
onel called on the men for the last time to render obedi-
ence. Soberness and reflection had begun their work
upon a few. These fell into their places, and were
stationed around the Camp as a guard over the others.
Still, though thus yielding, their sympathies were either
extended to their mutinous comrades, or else they were
too fearful to render much assistance. It was necessary
for the officers to be everywhere, and I confess I was quite
exhausted when a body of cavalry and a line of infantry
appeared, coming toward us. This was a great relief.
The mutineers, all unconscious, were surrounded, and,
when it was too late to resist, obeyed the orders issued,
a death penalty being promised to those who wavered.
You have seen in the papers the punishment awarded to
the Regiment — the taking of our colors and the disgrace
from which we are suffering.

Dear Mother, I feel heartsick and much depressed.
I begin to repent bitterly of having cast my lot with a
foreign Regiment. Our men have not the feelings of
Americans, and cannot, when a reverse comes, be in-
spired to renewed efforts by enthusiasm for the cause.
I am eager for another battle in order that we may have
an opportunity to regain our colors, yet dread to risk it
now that our men are much demoralized. I wish old
Connecticut had a place for me.

Col. Stevens, who is an able man, thinks though, in
less than a month he can make us once more the finest
Regiment in the field. These stories regarding the Lieut. -
Col. are simply absurd. I have just received a letter
from you. I endorse fully the bravery of Gen'l Tyler.
His chief fault was his paying the Connecticut Volunteers
the high compliment of believing they could fight like

76 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

veterans, a compliment not at all to the taste of the
Connecticut boys.

Good bye, dear mother.

Love to sisters and all.

AfFecy.,
W. T. LusK.

Note. — Dr. Lusk once said that at the time of the mutiny among
the 79th Highlanders he had one of the narrowest escapes of his life.
A drunken soldier pointed a rifle at his head and fired, but a friend
seeing the danger, knocked the muzzle of the gun in the air, just in
time to avert catastrophy. In narrating this episode Dr. Lusk remarked
with characteristic modesty, "You know I never was very brave, but
when the men refused to strike the tents, the officers had to do it
themselves. "

The Mutiny in the 79TH Highland Regiment

"Life of General Isaac I, Stevens" Vol. II y p, 321.

"At the battle of Bull Run the Highlanders were terribly cut up,
losing 198 killed, wounded, and missing, including eleven oflicers. The
Colonel, James Cameron, brother to the Secretary of War, was killed
gallantly leading his regiment, which was considerably scattered after
the battle. It was collected together in a few days, and moved to a
camp on Meridian Hill. The officers and non-commissioned officers
now petitioned the secretary to order the regiment home to recruit and
recuperate."

The Secretary of War endorsed the petition as follows:
"*The Secretary of War believes that in consideration of the gallant
services of the 79th Regiment, New York Volunteers, and of their losses
in battle, they are entitled to the special consideration of their country;
and he also orders that the regiment be sent to some one of the forts in
the bay of New York to fill up the regiment by recruits, as soon as Col.
Stevens returns to the command.

Simon Cameron,

Secretary of War*

"The men were informed of the Secretary's order, and notified to
prepare for the homeward trip, to which they looked forward with eager
anticipations and longing. But the military authorities remonstrated so
strenuously against the order, on the ground of the bad effect on other
troops of allowing one regiment to go home, that the Secretary allowed
it to be set aside, yet no notice of the revocation was given the High-
landers."

WAR LETTERS 77

On August loth, Col. Stevens arrived at the camp. On the 13th
he issued an order at dress parade that the regiment should move camp
on the morrow. The mutiny of the soldiers followed on the 14th.

Page 324. "At length finding all efforts to restore obedience fruitless,
Col. Stevens felt obliged to report the mutiny, and ask for troops to
suppress it. In response the camp was surrounded late in the afternoon
by an overpowering force of regular infantry, artillery, and cavalry. . . .
Colonel Stevens then addressed them, standing in the midst of the camp:
*I know you have been deceived. You have been told you were to
go to your homes, when no such orders had been given. But you are
soldiers, and your duty is to obey. I am your Colonel, and your obedi-
ence is due to me. I am a soldier of the regular army. I have spent
many years on the frontier fighting the Indians. I have been surrounded
by the red devils, fighting for my scalp. I have been a soldier in the
war with Mexico, and bear honorable wounds received in battle, and
have been in far greater danger than that surrounding me now. All
the morning I have begged you to do your duty. Now I shall order
you; and if you hesitate to obey instantly, my next order will be to those
troops to fire upon you. Soldiers of the 79th Highlanders, fall in!*

"His voice rang out like a trumpet. The men, thoroughly cowed,
made haste to fall into the ranks. . . .

" The colors were taken away by order of Gen. McClellan, and thirty-
five men, reported by the oflicer of the guard as active in the disturbance,
were marched off to prison. . . . Fourteen of the so-called ringleaders were
soon afterwards released and returned to the regiment, and the re-
mainder were sent to the Dry Tortugas on the Florida coast, where they
were kept on fatigue duty until the i6th of the following February,
when they were also released, and joined the regiment at Beaufort, S. C."

Page 326. "Col. Stevens commanded his regiment with a firm and
severe hand. He enforced early roll-calls, hard drilling and strict
cleanliness in person and camp. There were some men so demoralized,
by homesickness or otherwise, that they could not be induced to keep
themselves decent, or attend to their duties, and he made the guard
take them daily to the river, and strip and scrub them with soap and
brooms. Under such drastic treatment, they speedily recovered their tone.
He promptly and severely punished every neglect of duty."

Camp Causten, Aug. 22d, 1861.
My dear Cousin Lou:

What a pleasant thing it is to live, and how I do enjoy
it here on the banks of the Potomac. I do not believe
God ever made a more beautiful land than this. How
I would fight for it if I believed it threatened by an un-

78 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

scrupulous foe! Cousin Lou, I used to think the "booty
and beauty" allusion a sort of poor joke, too sorry even
for ridicule, but I now see it as the cunning work of the
far-sighted master who knew his people.

By-the-way do you know we are now encamped on
the Kosciusko farm, and near by the house still stands
where the patriot lived ? I was walking in a cornfield
today, and spied the silk drooping from one of the ears,
dyed a deep red. I plucked it, and send it now to you
in memory of Kosciusko, or if you like it better, in memory
of Cousin Will. Bother! I was getting sentimental, when
a gust of wind tore up the tent pins and blew out
the candle. One has great experiences in camp. The
other night I was softly slumbering, dreaming of Dolly
Ann or of cutting a Secessionist's throat, or some-
thing agreeable at any rate, when I heard a sound like
that of mighty waters — I felt the waves washing over
me — then followed a chilly sensation. I awoke. The
stars were above me and by my side lay a sea of canvas —
"in short," as Mr. Micawber would say, my tent was
blown down. Another night my tent was pitched on
the side of a steep hill. I wrapped myself in my blanket,
braced my feet against the tent-pole and fell asleep. In
the night my knees relaxed, and no longer prevented
by the prop, I slid quietly downward, awaking in the
morning at a good night's march from the point at
which I first lay down to rest.

Much obliged for the information you send me regard-
ing that youngest son of the Earl of Montrose, who came
to America and graduated at Yale College. I always
knew I was of noble degree, and have felt my blood pre-
eminently Scotch since the first time I heard Aunt Caroline
singing "Where, and oh where is my Highland Laddie

WAR LETTERS 79

gone?" I look too, admiringly upon the queenly Julia,
and I say, "Nay, nay, but there's no churl's blood there."
In beatific vision the sisters five file past me; then comes
long lanky Sylvester Vegetable Graham, leanest of men,
with a bag of oatmeal, and I say to myself, "Verily my
blood is very Scotch."

Give my best love to that wee mite of a little lady, who
is to have the delightful honor of taking charge of my
wooden leg, when I return from the wars a garrulous
one-legged old soldier. Imagine me. Cousin Lou, tripping
it at my own wedding not on the light fantastic, but on
timber toes. Now let us consider the matter, Cousin Lou.
Shall the leg be a real timber one though, or shall a
compromise be made with Nature, and one of the flexible
Anglesea pattern be chosen ?

Alas, alas! All day long we have heard guns firing in
the distance. Some poor fellows must have fallen, though
we get no intelligence of movements made. We are left
out of the question. There is a great battle soon to take
place, but I fear the 79th is too much crippled to make
a great show. We numbered once a thousand gallant
hearts — we number now 700 men capable for action;
to such a pass we have been reduced by death and what
is worse, by desertion. Officers have deserted, and the
men have followed the base example. I have seen enough
to convince me that this is no war for foreigners. It is
our war, and let us cheerfully bear the burden ourselves.
The South sends its best blood to fight for a phantom,
but we, in the North, send our scum and filth to fight for
a reality. It is not thus we are to gain the victory. I
would have all our Northern youth not talk, but act —
not deem their lives so precious as their honor. Have
you read the names of those who resigned their commis-

8o WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

sions after the Battle of Manassas ? The names of over
250 cowards. Life is sweet to all, but have they no trust
in God that they fear the bitterness of death ? Love to
all friends in Enfield. I must say good-night.

Au'Revoir^

Will.

I did not serve as a private but in the capacity of Lieut,
at Bull Run.

Kosciusko Farm,

August 25th, 1 86 1.
My dear Mother:

I am seated writing my usual Sunday letter, happy to
state that my spirits are good and health excellent, as
Uncle Charles will confirm. I was out drilling my men
yesterday, when my attention was attracted by somebody
nodding to me in a familiar style — a second glance told
that it was Uncle Charley, and no other. I was much
pleased at his kindness in looking me up, as well as to
see him again. You will find he is looking well, and will
learn from him that he entertains Republican sentiments
of so decided a stripe that I, who was formerly a sort of
an abolitionist, am obliged to confess myself a conserva-
tive in comparison. I received from Thomas a very
pretty present, through the Express office, a few days ago.
It consisted of a case containing knife, fork, spoon and
cup — things which I shall find highly useful when on
the march. When in Virginia before, provided with no
such conveniences, fingers were obliged to adapt them-
selves to the performance of all the varied functions of
"table services." You ask for my address! I never can
give you any fixed address, as no Regiment knows where

WAR LETTERS 8i

it will be twenty-four hours in advance, but anything
directed to the 79th Regiment, N. Y. S. M., Washington,
will be forwarded without difficulty. I was in earnest
in wishing that I was connected with some New England
Regiment, but not in earnest as regards any intention of
deserting my present post because of any difficulty attend-
ing it. As long as my friends stick by the 79th, I shall not
surely be less faithful than are they. The wish to change
arose from a desire to take part in the approaching battle
to be conducted by McClellan, in which, it seemed prob-
able, the 79th would be too much crippled to take any
prominent part. Our Regiment is, however, now rapidly
recovering from the effects of the battle, and the intrigues
of the old rum-selling officers now happily resigned. I
have some responsibility resting upon me, as I am de-
tailed to take sole charge of one of the Companies. I
have the duties of Captain, ist Lieutenant, and 2d Lieu-
tenant, all combined, at present to perform, so I have
little right to think of abandoning my post. In confi-
dence I may add, that possibly five or six of us may be
transferred to a new Regiment by the Secretary of War.
The Regiment would be under his patronage, and be
called the "Cameron Highlanders." In this new Regi-
ment I most likely would be assigned the post of Captain.
However neither say or think anything about this, as it
is by no means determined yet. The letter from Fraulein
Mathilde contained the kind wishes of the family, and
an invitation to be present at her wedding which is to
take place on the ist of September. I find I have grovni
rusty in the German language, so that I had no little
difficulty in deciphering the young lady's epistle.

Have I written you that we are now encamped on
Kosciusko's farm ? It is a pleasant spot, but damp. I

82 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

hear we are to be marched off somewhere to-morrow.
Report names Georgetown as our probable destination.

Uncle Charles is still in town I hear, but I cannot leave
camp to visit him.

I will take the photograph question into consideration
when we get paid off. Tell Lilly she must accept thanks
and love for her kind letter, but I do not mean to answer
it until after some success occurs.

Thank Mary for her kind intentions regarding writing
me. Love to the little ones. Ask Wll if he wants to
be a soldier. Turly shall be made a Congressman, and
get appointed Chairman of the Military Committee.

Love to all.
Believe me.
Very Affec y.,
William T. Lusk.

Headquarters 79TH Regiment,

Camp Advance, Va. Co. K.

September 21st, 1861.
Dear Cousin Lou:

Let me see — it is a long time since I wrote you, but
I am not forgetful. I must thank you many times for
your kindness in writing me away off here. Perhaps you
think it not very far, only four miles off from Washington;
yet it is so, for we are quite shut off from all communi-
cation with the outer world. My goodness, how I did
cheer Mrs. Gen. Smith the other day on passing her
carriage as the Regiment was returning from the field
where its colors had been restored!

I am not quite certain that Mrs. Brigadier-Gen. Smith
was beautiful, yet I thought her so, for she had little

WAR LETTERS 83

hands, white teeth, and was not shouldering a musket.
If you will visit camp. Cousin Lou, I'll crown you Queen
of Beauty and vote you lovelier than a thousand Mrs.
Brigadier-Gen. Smiths. Tell Cousin Henry and Dr.
Grant that their visit to me, while on Kalorama Heights,
first taught me that there was still remaining communi-
cation with the worid. The result of the lesson was, that
I bought a looking-glass and combed the snarls out of
my hair.

It is raining to-night, so I am shut in my tent. Field
life agrees with me excellently, so that as yet I have
hardly had an ill day. Our Regiment has been unusually
healthy, there having been no deaths from sickness in
it since it first left New- York. A captain of the 19th
Indiana Regiment was telling me that they had lost 25
of their number from disease already, although they have
not been out here so long as we by two months. This I
suppose is partly owing to the fact that the city soldiers
endure change of climate better than country ones;
and something I believe is due to our surgeon Dr. Mc-
Donald. The Doctor says that you are one of the few
women for whom he has an unbounded admiration.

You would laugh if you could hear the conversations
between our Chaplain and the profane physicians. Our
parson is a love of a little man from some back country
village, accustomed to be kissed ( .^), admired, and petted
by the ladies of his congregation, and to be regarded
as a model of eloquence by the men. Fired with
patriotic zeal he volunteered his services on the opening
of the war, to his country, and left the peace of home
for the horrid din of Mars. But the horrid din of Mars
he finds to his astonishment, not nearly so agreeable
as being kissed ( ?) and petted in his own quiet village.

84 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

So he has grown petulant, thinks himself unappreciated,
and calls all the men hardened sinners, because they
sometimes look incredulous when he answers their" Why ?"
with, "It is so for I say so." Shocking unbelievers! Dear
little parson tells us weekly not to fear to die, but to face
death bravely, as we are certain of being transported
instantly to scenes of heavenly joy. Yet our little parson
whenever an alarm occurs, rushes to his tent, secures
his bag, and trots off in all haste to the nearest place
of shelter. Taking advantage of this little weakness, the
Doctor is in the habit of explaining to him in a horridly
lucid way, the dreadful nature of gunshot wounds.
Then some one will suddenly jump up, assume a
listening attitude and cry: "Hark! Was that a gun?"
The comical aspect of terror which is thus elicited,
forms an inexhaustible source of amusement to us all.
He reminds me of the Chaplain of the story, who bade
the soldiers before the battle, not to fear, as they would
assuredly that night, if they fell, sup in Paradise. He
himself however ran away when the first shot was fired.
An indignant hearer of his morning discourse reminded
him of his encouraging promises. "No thankee," said
he, "don't talk to me, I never did like suppers." All
of which story you can anywhere find better told in the
newspapers.

Next to the parson, our greatest source of entertain-
ment is the article called "nigger," a thing I never saw
until I came to "Ole Virginny." We own an African of
the Pongo species, a sort of half idiotic monkey-man,
partially possessing the gift of speech, and totally pos-
sessing the gift of doing nothing. I consider it a curious
study to see how, when he is ordered to perform any
service, he manages most ingeniously not to do it at all.

WAR LETTERS 85

You should see the Pongo though in the Highland cos-
tume. "The What Is It ?" will have to retire from busi-
ness.

Good-bye dear Cousin Lou.

Very afFec'y.,

W. T. LusK,
Lieut. Co. K. jgth Regt.

Reconnoissance at Lewinsville (Sept. ii, 1861). Restoration
OF Colors to the Highlanders. Colonel Stevens Appointed
Brigadier-General.

"Life of General Isaac /. Stevens," Vol, II, p. 326.

"On the 26th " ( August) " the regiment broke camp, marched through
Washington, the band playing the dead march, by order of the colonel,
in token of their disgraced condition and loss of the colors, and went
into camp on Kalorama Hill, beyond Georgetown, a mile from the Chain
Bridge. Col. Stevens named the new location Camp Hope, and in a
brief address to the regiment bade them hope, and declared that together
they would win back their colors and achieve a glorious career. With
all his matter-of-fact judgment, he had a pronounced vein of enthu-
siasm and poetic feeling, and had a singular power of arousing them
in others, and of appealing to the higher motives."

Page 327. "On the evening of September 6th, a large force, includ-
ing the Highlanders, crossed Chain Bridge to the southern side of the
Potomac, and took up positions in front and extending to the left, con-
necting with troops from Arlington. At midnight, as the regiment was
drawn up in line. Col. Stevens addressed them as follows:

" 'Soldiers of the 79th! You have been censured, and I have been
censured with you. You are now going to fight the battles of your
country without your colors. I pray God you may soon have an oppor-
tunity of meeting the enemy, that you may return victorious with your
colors gloriously won/"

Page 328. "The troops were kept hard at work, thus felling forests
and digging forts, and also in outpost duty, for a strong picket line to
cover the front, posted nearly a mile in advance, had to be maintained."

Page 329. "On the nth," (September,) "under orders from Gen.
Smith, but with strictest injunction not to bring on a general engagement
under any circumstances, Col. Stevens, with 2,000 troops, made a recon-
noissance in force of Lewinsville, a hamlet six miles in advance of Chain
Bridge."

The Highlanders were of this force.

Col. Stevens reported of Lewinsville, "It has great natural advan-
tages, is easily defensible, and should be occupied without delay."

86 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Page 331. The Union loss was two killed, and thirteen wounded.

Page 332. General Baldy Smith, "perceiving the fine order and
undaunted bearing of the troops, and learning how well they had all
behaved, and that the enemy was keeping his distance, . . . heartily
congratulated Colonel Stevens and his command on the well-conducted
and successful reconnoissance. ... A few days later the colors were
restored to the Highlanders by Gen. McClellan in person, in recogni-
tion of their soldierly conduct since recrossing the Potomac, especially
in the affair at Lewinsville."

"79//^ Highlanders," />. 77.

Lieut. Elliott says of his command, in connection with the recon-
noissance at Lewinsville, Sept. nth: "Just as the bugle was sounding
(the recall), an officer rode up and ordered me to move the picket parallel
with the column, at the same distance out, and preserving the same
intervals, so as to protect the flank from surprise. I immediately started
for the guide to aid me in carrying out the order, but before I could
find him another order came to recall the picket as soon as possible.
Lieut. Lusk started to call in the picket, and in his over-eagerness at-
tempted to call in both platoons, which caused him to be late with his
own wing. As soon as the men stationed on the Falls Church road
began to come in, I observed a number of men without uniforms emerge
from the wood at the side of that road and creep on their hands and
knees along the fence to the gate where the cavalry had been stationed;
they then trailed into the wood on the right of Gilbert's house. Form-
ing the men as quickly as I could, I made a signal for the left wing,
under Lieut. Lusk, to retreat through the cornfield, as they were cutting
us off, and started with what remained of my command down the lane
to rejoin our regiment. . . . We had not moved fifty paces from the
house when a volley of musketry was directed obliquely at us from
the left, and at almost the same instant the gun opened fire on our
right. Looking back I saw Lieut. Lusk, who had not understood my
signal, returning with the last of his men into the very yard where the
enemy's skirmishers were. By this time nothing could have been easier
than to have taken them prisoners, instead of which the skirmishers,
apparently thinking themselves surprised, in turn fired at them and
retreated by the side of the house. Lieut. Lusk, with considerable
adroitness, leaped the fence, followed by his two sergeants, and re-
treated under cover of the cornfield in safety to his regiment."

**Life of General Isaac /. Stevens" VoL II, />. 335.

"General Stevens's appointment as brigadier was made on the 28th,"
(September) " and on the following day he was formally assigned to the
command of the third brigade of Smith's division, consisting of the
four regiments already under his charge, viz.: the Highlanders, 33rd

WAR LETTERS 87

and 49th New York, and 47th Pennsylvania. He retained the imme^
diate command of the Highlanders in addition to that of the brigade."

Page 336. "Gen. Stevens named the new position occupied by his
brigade, which was not far from Falls Church, the Camp of the Big
Chestnut, from a huge sylvan monarch near by."

Page 337. "Drilling, picketing, and tree-felliog fully employed the
troops, at the Camp of the Big Chestnut."

Headquarters 79TH Regt.

Camp Advance, Co. K.

Virginia, 1861.
Dear Mother:

A most delightful moonlight forbids my retiring at
the usual hour to rest, so I will write and let you know
that all is well — that we have had a dull week, that
there has been naught to stir the sluggish blood since
last week save once, when it was thought that the Army
of Beauregard was marching in heavy columns upon us,
but it didn't come, so we all said : "Pooh, pooh ! We knew
it wouldn't. They are too wise to attack us." Alas, that
we should have to tell that sorry tale of Bull Run! Walter
has written me, and is full of our defeat. He does not
feel flattered by the cheap lithographs in the shop windows
representing "Yankees Running," which are thrust upon
his sight all over England. He is delighted though to
think that the 79th did well, and that I was a member
of the Highland Regiment. As we file out of our camp,
full equipped, the soldiers of other Regiments are wont
to say, "There go the Highlanders. There will be fight-
ing to-day." We are now formidably intrenched, and
I think can make a tolerable defence against the foe.
The Richmond jExflmm^r says: "We" (the Southerners)
"flaunt our flag defiantly in the face of the cowed and
craven-hearted foe, but they tamely endure the insults we

88 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

heap upon them, and refuse to accept oui challenge to
a fair and open fight." Well I think we can afford
to endure the flaunting of the "stars and bars" until
McClellan is ready, when we hope to march forward,
seeking winter quarters in the pleasant mansions of the
South. Just this same thing the Southerners are hoping
to gain in the North. Beauregard thinks Philadelphia,
Baltimore and New-York, gay places in the season, where
the Southern youth may join in the festivities of winter.
Nous verrons.

We have a little parson in our regiment, who has
a due regard for his personal safety. We love to get him
into our tents, and describe with graphic truthfulness the
horrid nature of shell wounds. The worst of shells too,
we add, is, that they can be thrown to such a distance
that even the Doctor and Chaplain are exposed to their
death-bearing explosions. Our parson grows uneasy, and
when an alarm is given, starts off, carpet-bag in hand,
to our intense amusement, for the nearest place of safety.
He is like that worthy chaplain, who, on the eve of battle,
told the soldiers, " Fear not, for those of you who fall, will
this night sup in Paradise." The battle commenced and
the chaplain began to display most entertaining signs of
terror. He was reminded of the consoling language he
had himself used in the morning. "No thank ye," he
answered quickly, "I never did like suppers." To such
an extent are we obliged to resort to everything to amuse
ourselves. Our darkeys give us some amusement and
much more trouble. Ours, we have dubbed the " Pongo,"
who knows how not to do it, in a manner to excite our
unbounded admiration. In the evening these Africans
have a way of getting around the fire and singing real
"nigger melodies," which are somewhat monotonous as

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WAR LETTERS 89

regards the music, and totally idiotic as regards the
words. A favorite of theirs goes thus — viz:

My little boat is on de ocean
Where de wild bird makes de music
All de day.

This will sometimes be repeated for a couple of hours by
the indefatigable nigger — indefatigable in this alone.

Good-bye, darling mother.

Most afFec'y.,

W. T. LusK.

''Letters of a Family During the War^* Vol, /, ^. 194.

Extract from a letter of E. Woolsey Howland, written to her husband,
evidently from Washington, dated October 1st, 1861.

"Very little to tell you about except a few calls, including one from
Mrs. General Franklin to ask us to take tea with her to-night. Lieut.
Lusk of the 79th, whom we used to know as 'Willy' Lusk, also came.
He seems to have grown up into a very fine young fellow, handsome
and gentlemanly, and with the same sweet expression he had as a child.
He was studying medicine in Europe when the war broke out, but came
home at once and enlisted as Lieutenant in the 79th, where he is now
Aaing Captain — so many of the regiment were either killed or taken
prisoners at Bull Run."

[Start on Port Royal Expedition]

October i8th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

I can only write you a few hasty lines. We have
suddenly been summoned to Annapolis, and are now on
board ship, bound I know not whither. This is so far
pleasant, as there is a chance of relief from the wearisome
picket duties which devolve upon Regiments on the ad-
vanced outposts; and we have likewise an opportunity for
distinction, as well as to do the country good ser\4ce. It
is so far a disappointment, in that I had a leave of absence
granted me, and hoped yesterday to be spending to-day

90 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

with my dear Mother. I am very tired, as I marched
all last night, and have been hard at work all this morn-
ing. Health and spirits are excellent. Gen. Stevens will
most likely command our expedition, which is almost
a guarantee of success. At any rate we will trust it will
prove more brilliant even than the affair at Hatteras. At
any rate let us pray, come what will, God grant us
peace in the life hereafter. A thousand times love for
all.

In haste, Affec'y.,

Will.

**Life of General Isaac L Stevens" Vol. II, p. 338.

"On October i6th, Gen. Stevens unexpectedly received orders to
turn over the command of his brigade to the senior colonel, and report
in person to General Thomas W. Sherman at Annapolis, Md., by day-
light the next morning." Upon being urged by Captain David Morrison,
the senior officer, to say good-by to his regiment in person, ''he rode
in front of the line, and in a few feeling words expressed his regards
and hopes for them and bade them farewell. As he wheeled and rode
off, a spontaneous and universal cry of *Tak' us wi* ye ! Tak' us wi*
yel' burst from end to end of the line, and tears stood in many a manly
eye."

Page 340. "They" (General Stevens and others) "reached Annapo-
lis that evening, and were most cordially received by General Sherman,
and by Colonel Daniel Leasure of the looth Pennsylvania, known as
the 'Roundheads,' which was to form part of General Stevens's new
brigade. His first act on reaching Annapolis was to apply by telegraph
to the Secretary of War, in conjunction with General Sherman, for the
Highlanders. He also personally telegraphed the President to that
effect. Colonel Leasure too, telegraphed the Secretary that his regi-
ment was largely composed of the descendants of Scotch Covenanters
and Cromwell's soldiers, and were anxious to be joined by the High-
landers. . . . General McClellan . . . strenuously objected to it, pro-
testing that he could not spare one of his best veteran regiments. But
Mr. Lincoln . . . ordered the Highlanders to Annapolis to rejoin their
beloved commander."

General Stevens "discussed, also, McGellan's character without
the least trace of animosity, admitting his ability and patriotism, but
lamenting his fatal lack of boldness and decision, which, he said, ren-
dered his failure inevitable."

J A

WAR LETTERS 91

October 21st, 1861.
My dear Mother:

We are sailing rapidly down the Chesapeake, still in
doubt as to our ultimate destination, but expecting soon
to reach Fortress Monroe where possibly there may be a
chance of mailing a letter. We feel as though we were
leaving the scene of old triumphs, and old disasters —
of the latter we are mindful of many; so it was delicate
sarcasm upon the part of our Bandmaster which induced
him to strike up "Carry me back to old Virginny!" as
we were crossing the Chain Bridge (which spans the
Potomac), leaving the *' sacred soil" behind us. And
now we are embarked on the "Vanderbilt," bound, this
much we know, for "Dixie." I am hoping to exchange
salutations with some of my old friends in Charleston.
What fun it would be to be playing the magnanimous
to a captive Prince Hugo, or Whalley despising Yankees
much, or any other of the royal youth who live in the
Kingdom of South Carolina. It may be we are to visit
Mobile. If so, tell Hunt I will try and collect his rents
with interest. But why speculate .?

Let us pray for laurels and victory! Much is expected
of the 79tn Regiment, I find. "My Highlanders!" as
Gen. Stevens calls them. "They are equal to Regulars,"
the General is reported to have said to Gen. Sherman *
commanding our expedition. "Send for them!" says
Sherman. They are sent for, and arrive on shipboard
in a horrible state of intoxication, with bloody faces and
soiled clothes. The Chaplain of the 8th Michigan Regi-
ment is horrified. He preaches to his men, and says:
"I wish to make no invidious comparisons, but after
what Fve seen of late, Fm proud of you for your excellent

^ Thomas W. Shennan.

92 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

conduct!" Well, we must hope that "My Highlanders"
will silence invidious comparison when facing the foe.
You tell me Ellis thinks I ought to boast of my Graham
blood, and gently urge the same yourself, but the fact is,
nothing has caused more amusement than Ellis' own pre-
tensions to his descent from the King of the Hebrides.
Indeed, on one occasion, up at Sunbury — a country
town of Pennsylvania — when he was introduced on a
public occasion to the worthy citizens of the place as
a lineal descendant of Donald, King of the Hebrides,
a man in the audience forgot himself so far as to call out,
"Damn Donald, King of the Hebrides!" which was highly
improper, and wholly irrelevant, yet very entertaining to
those who heard it. I am awaiting an official announce-
ment of the birth of Walter's boy, and mean to write con-
gratulations as soon as I can find time. Hall will soon
be married, he tells me. All my friends are getting
settled, but I am a Nomad, fit, I fancy, for my present
mode of life, which I find healthy and by no means
disagreeable. Indeed, were my brother officers of a more
agreeable character, I would take to soldiering with a
relish, and with a reasonable amount of success might
cry, "Vive la guerre!" However all dreams of the future
terminate in dreams of peace, of home, and honorable
repose in advancing years, all of which, dear mother,
may we enjoy together, loving our country better, for
having proved that it was so dear that we were willing
even to give up our life for its preservation.

Well, the blessings of peace be upon all at home. Kiss
the little ones for me. Give love to all and

Believe me,

AfFec'y.,
Will.

WAR LETTERS 93

October 25th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

It is with extreme pleasure I write you to-day. We are
still at Fort Monroe, and of course I do not know how
long we are to remain here, but Old Point Comfort has
proved itself such to me. I think few up to the present
time have served under greater disadvantages in the army
than I. A member of a Scotch Regiment strong in its

foreign prejudices, introduced as I was by ,a man

greatly unpopular among the men, I have enjoyed little
prestige or favor. We have had hard work to do, and for
four months I have suffered from extremes of heat and
cold, from hunger and wet, and sleepless nights — from all
the hardships of outpost life — have had the credit which
I felt was due, denied, and have waited patiently, though
sometimes against hope. After Col. Stevens became
Brig.-Gen., our Regiment fell to the command of . . .
Morrison, who sought to exhibit his authority by all
sorts of petty and irritating acts of insolence toward
myself. The life became intolerable, and I sent in my
resignation. I have written you how kindly Gen. Stevens
acted in the matter. I withdrew the resignation tem-
porarily, however, on learning from Gen. Stevens the
probability of a speedy action.

When Gen. Stevens was detached from our Brigade
to command one stationed at Annapolis, I was left,
almost without appeal from the insults of . . . Morrison.
I found my rights taken away, and favors bestowed on
low, ignorant rowdies. I then obtained a furlough,
meaning to arrange some plan of honorable escape while

on a visit home.

Suddenly a despatch came ordering our Regiment to

94 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

meet Gen. Stevens at Annapolis, and it was whispered
our destination was to be some place on the Southern
coast. I thereupon pocketed all affronts, gave up all
thoughts of a leave of absence, and resolved to be resigned
to the painfulness of my position, and to perform any
duties that might be allotted me. A few days ago I was
appointed officer of the day. The duties of the day were
arduous, and for twenty-four hours I had no sleep.
It was about ji in the morning and my duties had nearly
expired, when Gen. Stevens desired to see the officer of
the day. I supposed it was to perform some business
in connection with my position. ' On reporting myself
he said, " Mr. Lusk I wish to have a few words with you."
"Yes," said I, "but be quick as my time has nearly ex-
pired." " Oh !" said he, " I only wish to tell you that you
are appointed my Aide-de-camp. You know my peculi-
arities, and if we are satisfied with each other I think
you will have no reason to repent of your appointment."
I thanked him, told him I was proud to accept the
appointment. So now, Mother, with best love to all
the dear ones at home, I subscribe myself.

Your affectionate son,

Capt. W. T. Lusk,

Atde'de'Camp to Gen, Stevens y
Sherman s Division,

The Port Royal Expedition

** Life of General Isaac I, Stevens" Vol, II, p. 341.

"The force which General Sherman was fitting out at Annapolis was
destined, in conjunction with the navy, to secure a harbor on the Southern
coast to serve as a base for the blockading fleets. General Sherman
was a veteran regular officer of artillery, who had greatly distinguished
himself at the battle of Buena Vista, a thorough soldier, a strict disci-
plinarian, devoted to his profession, and moreover a man of ability,
sound judgment, and true patriotism, but perhaps somewhat deficient

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in enterprise. He personally applied for General Stevens, for whom
he entertained great esteem, as one of his brigade commanders. His
force numbered some twelve thousand, all new, raw volunteers, except
two regular batteries and the Highlanders, who, having fought at Bull
Run, were looked up to as veterans by the other troops."

Page 342. "The Highlanders arrived" (at Annapolis) "on the i8th"
(October) "and the next day the troops were taken off in small bay
steamboats to the large ocean steamships anchored two miles out, and
embarked upon them. The largest of these vessels, and second only t3
the Great Eastern, was the Vanderbilt, a noble side-wheel ship of three
thousand tonnage, which had recently been given the government by
Cornelius Vanderbilt." Gen. Stevens and staff and the Highlanders
were among those on this steamer.

Page 343. "The General appointed as his first Aide-de-Camp,
Lieut. William T. Lusk, of the Highlanders, an educated and high-
toned gentleman, who had abandoned his studies in Germany to fight
for his country, and who proved a brave and excellent officer, and has
since achieved distinction in his profession as a physician."

"The transports sailed on the 20th and reached Fortress Monroe
the next day. Here were awaiting them a fleet of thirty war ships, under
Commodore Samuel F. Dupont, and a large number of sailing vessels
laden with munitions and stores. The expedition lay here at anchor
for a week, completing the necessary preparations."

[Naval Engagement at Port Royal, Nov. 7, 1861]

Headquarters 2nd Brigade,

Hilton Head, Nov. qth, 1861.
My dear Mother:

It is a long, long time since I have heard from home —
nearly three weeks I think since we have been blessed
with news by mail, and all this time I am wondering how
you are all faring in New-York. Well, when a mail bag
does come, may it be crowded with all sorts of good news.
Now we have good news to report, for we are now enjoy-
ing ourselves in the pleasant climate of South Carolina.

We have been many days on shipboard, 1700 of us
all together, on board the good ship "Vanderbilt" which
bravely rode the storm, while other good ships foundered

96 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

m the sea. But the storm abated, and the winds went
down, and we were lying ofF the coast of South Carolina.
Then we thought that a death struggle was about to com-
mence, for were we not to lock arms, and wrestle, with
traitors at the very headquarters of rebellion ? We lay
off Beaufort Harbor some sixty hours in idleness, waiting
for the ball to open. That navy though is a slow affair,
and we abused it mightily, being impatient to decide the
fate of the expedition. Our naval commanders — Com-
modore Dupont and Secretary of Navy Welles — re-
ceived most unflattering notices. Why would they not
begin ? Finally the old concern got a working — the
"Wabash" led off, and was followed by a whole fleet of
minor vessels. They sailed into line, and soon were
sharply engaged with the forts protecting the entrance
to the Harbor. For four hours shot were poured thickly
into the defenses of the besieged, and nearly as long a time
the besiegers sent destruction among our ships. But the
terrible explosions of our shell, the steady broadsides
poured from the Frigate "Wabash," and the sure-aimed
missiles sent from the little gunboats that would run up
close to the shore, ensuring thus accuracy of aim — all
these things were terrible in their effect upon the foe.
At last a white flag floated from the parapet of their forti-
fication, and quickly a white flag was despatched from
the "Wabash" to the shore. Hip, Hip, Hurrah! We see —
ay — we rub our eyes — is it really true ? We see the
American banner once more floating on the soil of South
Carolina. All this time we were looking on, silent spec-
tators of the scene. But now the harbor rings with the
shouts of applause, with which we greeted the great naval
victory. We forgot for a moment how slow Secretary
Welles is, and how dreadfully slow are all the operations

WAR LETTERS 97

of the Navy. And now we vile Yankee hordes are over-
running the pleasant islands about Beaufort, rioting upon
sweet potatoes and Southern sunshine. Hilton Head is
a sandy island but beautiful with palmetto leaves, cotton
fields, magnolia and orange groves, and plantations of
sugar cane. Here lived the Pinckneys, the Draytons, and
other high-blooded Hidalgos, whose effervescing exuber-
ance of gentlemanly spirit have done so much to cause
our present troubles. Alas! Yankee hordes, ruthless in-
vaders — the vile Hessians — infest their splendid planta-
tions. One poor fellow was taken prisoner; afterward
we learned there was in our hospital a brother of his,
dying from disease, a young man who was too ill to
retreat when his comrades fled precipitately. The brother
first mentioned ventured to request that they two might
remain together. To his surprise the request was will-
ingly granted, and they seemed to feel that we had shown
them a great kindness. The effects left by the South
Carolinians in their flight show that there were many
young men of wealth among them, who, feeling obliged
probably, to do their duty as soldiers, selected the neigh-
borhood of Beaufort, which is a kind of Southern Sara-
toga. But if the flower of South Carolina youth, it is to be
regretted that the flower never paid more attention to the
spelling-book. A letter written them from a friend exhorts
them to remember that they are "of gentilmanly blud.
As a sort of memento I send you enclosed a "poem,
the brilliancy of which will make it pay for the perusal.
I saw William Ely yesterday. It is long since Tve seen
him before, and he has changed so that I did not recog-
nize him until he gave me his name. If I had time I
would write pages more, but I am full of business now.
Oh a thousand times love and oceans of kisses for sisters

98 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

and little ones, with less demonstrative but very warm
regards for all friends.

I remain AfFec'y->

Will.

Can't stop to correct what I've written so excuse mis-
takes.

Life of General Isaac I, Stevens" Vol. II y p. 344.

" It was a fine, bracing autumn afternoon, October 29, when the great
fleet sailed out of the Chesapeake in two parallel columns a mile apart.
The giant warship Wabash lead the rig^t column. . . . The third day
a furious storm struck the combined fleet and scattered it far and
wide." . . . The Vanderbilt was among the first to arrive at Port
Royal on November 3d, and by the 6th, nearly all the ships had
assembled. The loss of life was 7 drowned and 93 captured.

Page 345. " Port Royal was defended by earthworks on each side
of the entrance. Fort Walker on Hilton Head, on the south side, and Fort
Beauregard on Bay Point, on the north. These were strong and well
constructed forts, with heavy parapets, traverses, and bomb-proofs, moun-
ted forty-one guns of large caliber, and were garrisoned and defended
by three thousand troops."

"Rebellion Record** Vol. III^ p, 104 of Documents,
Part of General Tbos. IF, Sherman's Report^ Nov, 8th ^ 1861.

"Our original plan of cooperation of the land forces in the attack
had to be set aside, in consequence of the loss during the voyage, of a
greater portion of our means of disembarkment, together with the fact
that the only point where the troops should have landed, was from five
to six miles, measuring around the intervening shoal, from the anchoring
place of our transports.

"It was therefore agreed that the place should be reduced by the naval
force alone. ... I deem it an imperative duty to say that the firing and
manoeuvering of our fleet against that of the rebels and their formidable
land batteries was a master-piece of activity and professional skill that
must have elicited the applause of the rebels themselves as a tactical
operation. I think that too much praise cannot be awarded to the ser-
vice and skill exhibited by the flag officer of the naval squadron, and the
officers connected with his ships. I deem the performance a masterly
one, and it ought to have been seen, to be fully appreciated. After the
works were reduced, I took possession of them with the land forces."

WAR LETTERS 99

«'

Life of General Isaac /. Stevens^' Vol, II, p, 349.

Immediately after landing, General Sherman held a conference with
his general officers as to undertaking an offensive movement. The enemy
was evidently demoralized, and either Charleston or Savannah might
fall before a sudden dash, and offered a tempting prize. But the gen-
eral opinion was that a movement upon either involved too great risks,
and that the first duty was to fortify and render absolutely secure the
point already gained. General Stevens alone dissented from this view.
He strenuously urged an aggressive movement inland to the mainland,
then, turning to right or left, against one of the cities. In answer to
objeaions, he declared that the overpowering naval force rendered
Hilton Head already secure, and it could be fortified at leisure. The
navy too could support an advance, and cover a withdrawal in case of
need. The country was full of flat boats used by the planters for the
transportation of cotton. Hundreds of these could be collected. . . .
But the cautious counsel prevailed, and General Sherman reaped the
reward of his lack of enterprise by being superseded a few months later,
after rendering faithful service. Certainly he lost a great opportunity.
With such subordinates as Generals Stevens and Wright, and the navy
to assist, he might have taken Savannah, and could not have been badly
damaged, even if repulsed."

Page 351. General Stevens writes to his wife from Hilton Head»
December 5th :

"My brigade is still at work on the entrenchments. They have done
an immense amount of work, much to the satisfaction of General Sher-
man. . . . Our mess consists of the brigade Quartermaster, Captain
Lilly; the brigade surgeon. Dr. Kemble; my aide-de-camp, Lieut.
Lusk; Hazard, and myself. We have a most excellent cook, brought
from New York, and a good dining-room servant picked up here. . . .
How long we shall remain here I cannot form an idea — probably some
months."

Headquarters Second Brigade,

Hilton Head, S. C.

November 13th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

I am delighted, after several busy days, once more to
have an opportunity to quiet the uneasiness of your
anxious heart, and assure you of my continued welfare.
We are now fairly ensconced on South Carolina soil.
Our headquarters are at an old wooden building innocent

loo WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

of paint, but rendered interesting by a large hole in the
side, caused by the passage of one of our shot. These
were pleasant places that the planters have abandoned
us, and though conscious that our victory has been glori-
ous, and that a heavy blow has been struck, would to God
that this war had never visited us, and that the planters
were once more peacefully cultivating their pleasant
homes. The country for many miles around has fallen
into the hands of our armies, and, unhappily, victors are
apt to be ruthless in destroying the property of conquered
enemies.

However, the season of pillage is almost over. Our
camps are being well guarded, and the opportunities for
the escape of straggling parties of marauders have ceased.
Every effort has been made to check wanton excesses,
and it has been made for a few days past almost the sole
duty of the Aides to scour the country for the purpose
of intercepting parties wandering about without proper
authority. In this manner I have come to see something
of neighboring plantations, which are among the wealthiest
in South Carolina.

I wrote you before that here lived the Pinckneys, the
Popes, a gentleman named Jenkins-Stoney, and others
-whose names may, or may not be familiar to you. Their
houses are in the old fashioned Southern mansion style,
and show evidences of luxury and comfort.

By-the-way, I saw a letter from a Secession soldier
named Lusk the other day, which dilated much on the
justice of the Southern cause, and the certainty that God
would give the South the victory. I hear there is, or was
previous to our arrival, a large family of Lusks at Beaufort,
a few miles distant. I regret to say that the letter I have
mentioned, did not show the writer to have displayed

• •••

WAR LETTERS loi

any great diligence in studying his spelling-book in the
days of early youth. The weather here is warm as sum-
mer. Oranges hang still in ripe profusion on the trees,
the cotton remains unpicked, and the corn remains for
us to gather. Negroes crowd in swarms to our lines,
happy in the thought of freedom, dancing, singing, void
of care, and vainly dreaming that all toil is in future to
be spared, and that henceforth they are to lead that life
of lazy idleness which forms the Nigger's Paradise. I
fear that before long they have passed only from the
hands of one taskmaster into the hands of another.

All this long time I get no news from home, and am
eagerly, impatiently^ awaiting the advent of the mail
which is to recompense for the long weeks of waiting. I
may write very irregularly, as my time was never so little
my own as now. I think, when the " Vanderbilt" returns,
you will see my old school friend Sandford, who will
bear you news of me. Sandford is a young fellow, of
the family of the name, so extensively engaged in shipping
interests. I mention this as possibly Uncle Phelps may
know of them. Have Lilly and Tom any intention of
soon being married ? I send by Sandford, a hundred
dollars of my pay home to be delivered to Uncle Phelps,
and would like $25.00 of it to be expended in buying Lilly,
when the wedding day comes, some remembrance from
brother Will. I enclose in this letter a ^{5.00 bill to be
especially employed in the purchase of toys for the chil-
dren. I would like much to see little Willie and Turlie
once more. If I possibly can, I shall try and get a leave
of absence about Christmas time, though I hardly expect
to be successful. Walter, I suppose, is fairly home by
this time. I would have written before, congratulating
him upon the arrival of his little boy, but have been

102 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

waiting to get hold of the letter which announces it.
Beyond the fact that he is a father I know nothing.

Give love to all my friends, and all who feel an interest
in me. I would like to see you soon again, which, in fact,
is the burthen of all the Southern letters we have ii^ter-
cepted. There is one thing very conspicuous in all
letters from Southern soldiers. I refer to the deep re-
ligious vein pervading them. Their religious impres-
sions seem to be warmer than those of our troops. One
poor fellow fears their cause is doomed because of the
fearful immorality in their ranks. "Why," he writes,
"I even hear that officers have been known to curse the
men under their command.'*

Good-bye,

Very Aff"ec'y.>

Will.

Headquarters 2d Brigade,

Hilton Head, Dec. 2d, 1861.
My dear Mother:

A real Southern storm is without — the rain falls
heavily, thunder rolls in the distance, the fly of my tent
flaps noisily — yet here within all is peace and quiet,
loving not stormy thoughts. Let us look about my
tent a little. The bottom is boarded and covered with
straw; a washstand occupies the corner; a bed, com-
fortable with blankets, extends along one of the sides;
from the tent-poles hang my sword, sash and belt, my
military coat, and such clothes as are needful for daily
wear. Then I am sitting on my valise (Lieut. Elliott's
name is upon it), and am writing at a table of rude con-
struction — an old shutter, robbed from a Secession barn,
laid upon a box — yet, covered with the beautiful blanket

WAR LETTERS 103

which came a gift from Hunt, it has a fine, jaunty
look, and we think ourselves elegant in the extreme,
especially when we put our new coffee-pot upon it, and
sit writing at it for the purpose of spinning a yarn. A
circular yam I call it, for I intend it for all the kind
friends whose loving thoughts were so abundantly mani-
fest in that box of "goodies" which the ** Bienville"
brought me. There's one thing that I've been keeping
back all this time — the cunning rogue that I am. Its a
big, blue Secession chest, a good deal battered and worn,
but I have only to throw open the lid — and presto (in
the excitement I had nearly written prestidigitato) — I
feel, see, think all sorts of things — things around which
cluster pleasant memories.

Let us see! Come, oh bottle of Abreco, out of thy
hiding place, for thou must distil for me dainty fancies
warm as the sun that ripened the grapes out of which
thou art made! Ay, and a cigar I must have too — a
real Havana — Santa Rosa is inscribed upon it. Why
that was the name of a little Jew maiden whom I once
knew, and concerning which Miss Ellen Dwight with
her superior worldly knowledge, whispers in the ear of
Sam Elliott, "Oh strange infatuation!" But no matter.
Let the fragrant clouds arise; clouds bearing fair, friendly,
earthly visions! Stop though! There the cap of blue
and white, knit by small, slender fingers. Dear Lilly,
I put it on now, and now I take it off* and look at it.
It has a pretty maidenly appearance about it, and sug-
gests indefinitely kisses from red pouting lips, and the
sort of romantic dreams in which sentimental youths
indulge. Some such articles as this, probably, Penelope
spun while waiting her Lord's return from Troy. Is
Penelope quietly spinning for me still ? Or is the yam

104 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

run out, and does she now bend a willing ear to new
suitors ? If so, why then, bother take Penelope; let us
look at the stockings! They have a jolly comfortable
aspect. They bring one from visions of "airy, fairy
Lilians" of poet fancy, to the substantial bread-and-
butter sentiment of Germany. They are the work of
comfortable middle-aged Penelopes, I fancy. I can
commence at the toes of them, if I choose, and unravel
them slowly, and each time the yarn makes a circuit,
I can feel sure that I am unravelling a kind thought —
perchance a tearful memory, that the loving ones wove
into their work, as they sat knitting around the fireside.
"Sweet home" — it is long since I have known thee,
yet, when the labor is done, how eagerly will I clutch
the promises the words "Sweet home" contain! I have
some studs in my shirt. They are made of Sarah's hair
and they tell me home has changed somewhat since I
knew it. I asked General Stevens the other day if he
had known General Garnett. He said, "Yes. Well?"
and almost in the same breath added, "He had such
a lovely wife who died in my territory." They two have
bidden us farewell, and grief is deadened at the thought
of their present happiness. I look again into the box,
and I see there gifts from Hunt and Thomas. They
have been good brothers to me. They two and Wal-
ter have always given me a full, hearty brother's love. I
am not an humble man, and am proud in many ways,
but there is naught of which I am half so proud as my
own true valued friends. As I think of them, they are
not few; as I look into the box, I see this; as I remember
all the kind acts they have done me, I feel this; and when
I call to mind the goodness of the Almighty, I know it.
Dear mother, dear sisters, dear brothers, I can hardly

J %

WAR LETTERS los

keep back the tears when I ask you to accept the thanks
for your exceeding love. There are the little ones too,
and they are never forgotten. I must add Walter's boy
to the list now — that wondrous boy, so different from
all other babies, and yet so like all others in the strik-
ing resemblance he bears his papa. Tell Cousin Lou
that I am using the ink and paper she sent me, to express
to all my friends my thanks. Does Cousin Lou think
I am such a savage — so delighting in secession blood —
that I would not extend my hand to help any one in trouble ?
And does she not feel sure that a duty would become a
pleasure when it would be to assist her friends? Let
her never doubt that should any of her relatives fall into
our hands, I will not forget either my duty to them nor
my love to her. The gift from Uncle John I felt, and
accept with that pleasure which not only springs from
affection, but from the honest respect I have for his
fearlessness of character in vindication of the right. Thank
Uncle Phelps and Aunt Maria. They have never faltered
in their friendship toward me. Thank my Aunts. I
trust I may never disgrace them. Thank Mrs. Tyler,
Cousin Lizzie and Aunt Elizabeth. Their gifts were
timely and acceptable. I trust I have omitted none of
those to whom I am indebted. If so I would thank them
too, and in conclusion I can only thank God who has
given so many friends — friends so faithful, so kindly,
and so true.

Aff'ec'y-f
Will Lusk.

xo6 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters 2d Brigade,

Port Royal District, Dec. loth, 1861.

My dear Mother:

I am still much busied — still find it difficult to cull
even a few moments from multifarious duties, even to
write my dear mother. I would like much to have a
chance to write you a good long letter, yet must wait
until more leisure shall fall to my share. We have the
last few days been more than ever busy, owing to our
formal occupation of Beaufort, where we are now pleas-
antly living. All sorts of comforts are at our disposal.
The house occupied by the General is one belonging to
Rev. (I think) Mr. Smith, an extremely elegant one. The
portrait of Bishop Eliot looks down benignantly from
over the mantel while I write.

I wish the owners were back in their old homes, not-
withstanding they have relinquished all their old home
luxuries to us. I do not, I think, possess quite enough
of the Vandal spirit, for anything like predative warfare.
I have spoken of the extreme pressure of duties, and this
you will understand when I tell you I often ride thirty
miles, visiting posts, arranging pickets, and in the examina-
tion of doubtful points, during the day, besides perform-
ing many other duties, such as may fall to my share. I
must say night generally finds me weary and after evening
work is done, disinclined even to write you.

All things seem to thrive with us so far. What we still
need is a sufficiently efficient organization to enable us to
strike with rapidity. Here we are, nearly five weeks in pos-
session of this point, and as yet we have hardly been able
to get the stores ashore, which we originally brought
with us. And all this time too we read in the newspapers

WAR LETTERS 107
of the great zeal and activity displayed by Captain

who has charge of these things. By this time we ought,
considering the great fear that filled the inhabitants on
our first landing, to have been able to follow up our first
successes by a series of determined blows, placing the
entire State at our disposal. Still we are young at war,
and cannot hope to learn all these things at once. We
have however done something. Immense quantities of
cattle, corn, and provisions have been gathered into the
commissary stores, Hilton Head has been securely fortified,
and some cotton saved, though much of the latter has
been burned by the South Carolinians to prevent its falling
into our hands. I think Cousin Louisa's favorite, Sam
Lord, is in the Army awaiting us on the mainland. At
least I heard such to be the case from a negro driver on
one of the plantations, who seemed to know him. The
Pringles lived somewhere in this neighborhood too, so I
am brought almost face to face with old friends.

Believe me.

Very AfFec'y.,

W. T. LusK.

The Occupation or Beaufort

Life of General Isaac I. Stevens" Vol. II ^ p. 353.
Scarcely were the works at Hilton Head completed when General

(«

«<

Stevens was ordered, early in December, to occupy Beaufon, as an ad-
vanced post threatening the mainland, and affording protection to the
negroes on the islands." . . . Beaufort '* was a place of fine mansions
and houses, almost wholly exempt from the poorer class, the seat of
wealth and refinement, and often styled the Newport of the South. . . ."
When the appalling news of Dupont's victory reached Beaufort,
"the whole white population fled in terror. . . . From all the islands
the flight of the planters was equally hasty." There were at least 10,000
negroes left on the different islands, who ''flocked into Beaufort on
the hegira of the whites, and held high carnival in the deserted man-
sions, smashing doors, mirrors and furniture, and appropriating all that

* '

io8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

took their fancy. . . . After this sack, they remained at home upon the
plantations and revelled in unwonted idleness and luxury, feasting
upon the com, cattle, and turkeys of their fugitive masters."

Page 355- "General Stevens . . . reached Beaufort at seven
in the morning on December ii,^ landed, and threw out a strong
picket on the main road across the island, known as the shell road.
. . . The next morning the remainder of the troops landed, and
General Stevens advanced across the island on the shell road to Port
Royal Ferry on the Coosaw River, with two regiments and Ransom's
guns. The rebel cavalry, falling back without resistance, crossed the
ferry. ... A small, square ferryhouse stood at the end of each
causeway, and the one on the further side had been strengthened and
converted into a blockhouse, and from it the enemy fired on the Union
advance. But the first shell from the 3-inch rifled gun went crashing
through the extempore blockhouse, and sent its brave defenders
scampering up the long causeway. Two adventurous soldiers then
swam the river and brought back a boat in which a party crossed
over, demolished the blockhouse, and returned with the ferry scow and
paraphernalia.

" A strong picket line was posted along the river, a good force left
in support at a cross-road some miles back on the shell road, and the
general with the remainder of the party returned to Beaufort.

"Gen. Stevens at once cleared the blacks out of town, and estab-
lished a camp in the suburbs for the temporary reception of refugees
and vagrant negroes. He placed the troops under canvas in the out-
skirts, and prohibited their entering the town without a permit, and
strictly forbade all plundering, or even entering the empty houses.
Guards were posted over a fine public library, the pride of the town,
which, however, had been thrown about in utter disorder; patrols were kept
scouring the streets, and the strictest order and discipline were enforced."

" fFar of the Rebellion" Series /, FoL VL, p, igg.
Heaek^uarters District of Port Royal,

Beaufort, S. C. December /o, 1861.
Brigadier-General Sherman,

Commanding Expeditionary Corps:

General: Lieutenant Ransom and the section of Hamilton's battery
under his command moved at 3 o'clock this morning, and I followed
with two members of my staff. Acting Aides-de-Camp Lusk and Tay-
lor, of, respectively, the Highlanders and Fiftieth Pennsylvania, a half
hour afterwards. We reached the ferry at daylight. I found, how-
ever, on careful examination, that the Confederates had not commenced
the erection of any works since our occupation of the island. After

^Dec 9 would conform with the other records.

WAR LETTERS 109

an examination of the country adjoining the feny, especially of the old
ferry at Seabrook, a mile and a half to the westwood of the present
ferry, I determined to take positive possession of both sides of the
existing ferry, especially as an effort had been made during my
absence at Sea brook, to fire the ferry building on the island side.
Lieutenant Ransom, bringing, under my direction, his battery into
position at Stuart's place, fired four shots and dispersed the enemy's
pickets, and Lieutenant-Colonel Brenholts, commanding the detach-
ment at the ferry, advanced immediately a picket of 12 men to the
ferry, and took possession of both banks, with some four boats.
These have since been secured. A small blockhouse commanding the
ferry on the main was destroyed. ... I have, with the assistance of
my aides and scouting parties, examined nearly all portions of the island
to-day. The conduct of the troops is exemplary, and there will be
considerable additions made to our stock of quartermaster's stores.

I am, sir, very respectfully yours, most obediently,

Isaac L Stevens,
Brigadier-General Commanding,

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. Dec. 20th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

Here it is almost Christmas, but there is no hope of
dining with you all at home on that joyful day. Still I
will try to make myself cheerful here, as that alone is
a comfortable philosophy. Duties are a bit lighter
to-day — the result, I suppose, of great exertion for a few
days back. I received last night three letters from you
and one from Horace. Let me thank you, dear mother,
very much for the photograph you sent me. It gives me
much gratification, and now occupies a conspicuous place
in my room. I shall look impatiently for the photographs
likewise of my sisters and the little boys. It would do
me much good to see Hunt's good-looking face, if he does
feel too logy to favor my whims. You write me for my
photograph, as though I was living at the seat of civiliza-
tion, and the abode of elegance. Well, to be sure, I am;

no WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

but then everything is in Southern style, which does not
admit of such vulgar things as tradesmen, much less of
itinerant shadow catchers. I have grown immensely
aristocratic since in South Carolina. There is something
in the air that's infectious. A few more weeks here, and
ril be able to stomach even a Bostonian, which — Oh!
I had almost forgotten how soon Hall's wedding comes
off; the 25th of December, Walter writes me. Do for
Heaven's sake give the bride something from me. I
enclose ;^ 10.00 to make the purchase. There is nothing
one can possibly buy down here. Pay-day is not far off
again, and I hope to be able to remit something hand-
some to Uncle Phelps, which may make him cry, "Oh,
provident youth!" Until then Walter's baby must go
without the coral and bells destined him by his affection-
ate Uncle William. Tell Horace I took into considera-
tion the request he made with regard to writing a few
lines to Saml. Lord, assuring him of the welfare of Miss
Mintzing, concluded to do it, have done it, and think the
communication will reach him.

We are quite active here at Beaufort, giving the good
people on the mainland all sorts of starts. The other
night a young Lieutenant crossed to the mainland with
a small party, caught six of their pickets, and brought
them safely back as prisoners. A captain takes a boat,
glides along the shore, gets fired upon, returns the fire,
and, it being his first fight, he has the agreeable sensation
of seeing the enemy run. The fact is, though the people
of respectability are many of them rampant, the poor
whites think the war a hard thing, which they do not like
to bear. So much we gathered from the prisoners taken
the other night. They say that all who do not volunteer
are drafted into the army, and the difference made is.

^ ^

WAR LETTERS iii

that volunteers receive $25.00 for clothes, and are treated
with respect, whereas drafted men get nothing but abuse.
Therefore it is not difficult to see how popular volunteering
must be in the South.

You will be pleased to hear that my friend William
Elliott has gained perhaps the most brilliant reputation
for cool courage and daring, of any man in the Army
down here. He is a rare hero, and is bound to make
his mark.

Give my best love to all, dear mother.

AfFec'y., .

Will.

**Life of General Isaac /. Stevens" Vol. II, p. 356.

" In order to protect the negroes and keep the enemy within his own
lines. General Stevens strongly picketed the western or exposed side of
Port Royal and Ladies' Islands, guarding all the landing-places, and
watching the Coosaw and Broad rivers for twenty-five miles. Knowing
the difficulty of maintaining so long and exposed a line of outposts
against an enterprising enemy, he threw him on the defensive by the
boldness of his advanced line, and by a succession of well-planned and
daring raids upon his pickets on the opposite shore. Thus Lieutenant
Benjamin F. Porter, of the 8th Michigan, on the night of December 17th
captured a picket of six men on Chisholm's Island, and on several occa-
sions small parties were thrown across the Coosaw in boats, the enemy's
pickets were driven off, and the buildings from which they fired upon
the Union pickets, were destroyed. So successfully was this policy
carried out, that the enemy made but one counter-attack during the six
months that General Stevens occupied the islands, . . . and that was
repulsed without loss on our side."

December 30th, 1861.
My dear Mother:

I hardly know what you all think at home — Hall gets
married, and I send no word of congratulation; Walter
sends me a beautiful present, and I return no word of
thanks; Horace writes me a letter full of kindness, and

112 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

it lies still unanswered; your letters come with such
regularity, and yet are hardly better treated. You have
been waiting, I suppose impatiently, to receive some news,
but I have been obliged to be silent, for I have been quite
ill with a fever. I am better this morning, so I write to
set your mind at ease. I am under the charge now of
Dr. McDonald, who is excessively kind and supplies me
with every comfort a sick man could desire, such as
clean sheets, cheerful faces, currant jelly, easy chairs, etc.
I do not feel much like writing I must say, and, after Fve
told you I am now getting along very comfortably, you
will excuse me from making this letter a long one.

With best love.

Very AflFec'y.,
W. T. LusK.

Headquarters 2d Brigade,

Beaufort, S. C. Jan. 9th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

It is with great pleasure I am able to write of my
rapid recovery from a somewhat severe illness. I caught
the fever prevalent in this country, and lost all those
pounds of flesh of which I have boasted, but am thank-
ful to be again restored to health, if not to full strength,
and am gaining rapidly. There is little chance of
obtaining a leave of absence, for, though delightful as
it would be to see you all again, it is not well to look
back when the hand is once put to the plough. You
will ere this have received an account of our New Year's
call over on the mainland of South Carolina. It was
very successful, but I was unable to be present, as exces-
sive exhaustion, the result of the fever, kept me cop-

WAR LETTERS 113

fined in bed. The weather down here is charming now,
the sun is as warm as summer. I think of you suffering
from cold. I would be willing to exchange the warm
sun of Beaufort though, for a couple of weeks in the chilly
North where there are warm hearts ever ready to welcome
me. I am going to enclose to you a copy of a Secession
letter which may afford you some amusement.

I have not received either my trunk or sword yet, though
they undoubtedly are at Hilton Head, but the express
agency is a slow working affair, and I must abide their
time patiently. Yesterday was the anniversary of the
battle of New Orleans. In the evening the General had
a reception, at which many patriotic speeches were made,
and a general feeling of jollity prevailed. There is little
news to communicate. Your letters come regularly. I
have received Hunt's photograph, which is capital. I hope
gradually to get the likenesses of the whole family.

There is at present as far as we can learn, a general feel-
ing of depression among the South Carolina troops, which
possibly may eventually develop into a Union sentiment.
The feeling the soldiers express is: "We have no negroes
to fight for, while the slave-owners have all taken good
care to retire to the interior of the State where they can
live in safety." The question is beginning to pass among
them, " Why should we stay here to be shot, when those
who have caused the war have run away.?" This is
dangerous talk, and, we are told, officers have great diffi-
culty in maintaining the organization of their Regiments.
At least these are stories brought by the negroes who are
continually escaping to our lines, and the unanimity of
their reports seems to lend the appearance of truth to
them. The fact is, the frightful effects of the explosions
of the 1 1 inch shell which some of our gun-boats carry.

114 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

have produced a great panic among the land forces of
South Carolina. Negroes from Charleston report the
city in a great fright, the inhabitants making preparation
to leave at the sound of the first note of alarm. I hope
we may catch old Tyler. ^ It would do me a deal of good
to see the traitor sent North to be dealt with properly.
There is a strong contrast between the treatment of our
prisoners, and that received by the unfortunates who fall
into the hands of the "chivalry." The prisoners we have
here are certainly as well treated if not better than our own
soldiers. As I see them, on passing their place of con-
finement, with their legs hanging out of the windows,
smoking their pipes, lolling about, enjoying fires when it
is chilly, I cannot but think of a poor fellow named Biick,
a German in my company and a capital fellow, who
was captured at Bull Run and taken prisoner to Rich-
mond. Once he ventured to put his head out of his
prison window, and in an instant the guard shot him
dead. I remembered too an amiable practice of the
chivalrous youth of Richmond, who, when drunk, were
in the habit of discharging their pieces from below,
sending the bullets through the floor of the prison.
This piece of pleasantry they termed "tickling the legs of
the Yankees!" Well, we are not barbarians, and the
other day a poor fellow whom we took prisoner at
the battle of the Coosaw, as he lay grievously wounded, but
receiving every kindness and attention at our hands,
said: "Ah, there's a mistake somewhere. We think you
come here to murder, and burn and destroy." It will
take time, but we believe by making ourselves dreaded
in battle, but using kindness to all who fall into our
power, even South Carolina may learn the lesson that
there is a mistake somewhere.

1 John Tyler.

WAR LETTERS 115

There, I think I have written a long letter. With

much love to all, I remain, _ _ _

Your aiiec. son,

Will.

Action at Port Royal Ferry, Jan. i, 1862

This was the " New Year's call " mentioned in the preceding letter.
"Life of General Isaac I. Stevens," Vol II, p. 358.

*' Impressed with the importance of dislodging the enemy and keeping
the river open. Gen. Stevens laid before Gen. Sherman a plan to that
end, which the latter promptly approved. It was simply to throw a
sufficient force across the river several miles below the ferry, advance
up the left bank, beat any force that might be found covering the
work, and take it in the rear. Three light-draught gunboats were
to cooperate in the movement. . . . Nearly every plantation on
these islands was supplied with large fiatboats, used chiefly for the
transportation of cotton. Ever since his occupation General Stevens
had been quietly collecting these scows at Beaufort, with a view to
using them in future operations."

Page 360. ** At one a.m. New Year's morning the embarkation
commenced."

Page 362. "At 1.30 p. m. Gen. Stevens formed his order of march,
and moved forward for the fort, marching parallel to the river." The
movement ended by a complete victory, and the enemy made a precipi-
tate retreat.

Page 366. ^ This action was almost the first Union success achieved
by the army since the disaster of Bull Run, and the thanks of the gov-
ernment were extended in general orders to Gen. Stevens and his
command."

Page 367. "After the action of Port Royal Ferry, General Stevens
continued to hold Beaufort and the neighboring islands for five months,
without the occurrence of any military event of importance, chiefly
occupied in thoroughly drilling and disciplining his troops."

Col. Addison Farnsworth made Colonel of the Highlanders.

*'Tbe ygth Highlanders, p. 1 16.

"On the 17th," (Jan.) "Col. Addison Farnsworth of Albany, N. Y.,
arrived and assumed command of the regiment ... a veteran of the
Mexican war. . . ."

**Life of General Isaac I, Stevens** Vol, II, p. 426.

"Col. Farnsworth . . . joined his regiment at Beaufort, but was
absent on leave during the James Island campaign, at the close of which
he returned to it."

ii6 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters 2d Brigade S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. Jan. 19th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I am so accustomed to commence all documents in
an official form, that even in a letter to you I find myself
employing the customary heading. I regret very much
that this letter will not reach you by the "Atlantic," but
it is too late — the steamer sailed a day sooner than at
first reported. But I trust Walter has told you I am well,
that Uncle Phelps has reported my purchase of a new
horse, and that Capt. Wm. Elliott, who has returned
home with your address in his pocket, will relieve your
mind of all anxiety as regards the effect of my late illness.
But tell Walter that all my fretting and fuming on two
points was in vain. After writing as I did about the
sword, I went to the express office to make a last inquiry.
The office was closed, so I despatched my letter. On
going to dinner a few hours later, one of the officers spoke
up : " By the way, there's a package for you at the express
office, about three feet long and four or five inches deep.*'
My sword after a long delay at Fortress Monroe, at last
had come. I am charmed at Walter's forethought, and
I promise to wear it with double pleasure, for the great
love we bear each other.

Then the matter of the 79th officers sent out with com-
missions from Gov. Morgan, although not having a pre-
text of a claim for recognition — well, my efforts, some-
what Quixotic, and decidedly mutinous in character,
were of no avail. I had set my heart on seeing Wm.
Elliott in a position which every man who knows him,
acknowledges to be his due. The Lieut.-Colonelcy was
vacant, the Colonelcy too; one of these offices the Gen-

>
/

WAR LETTERS 117

eral declared he should have, but the Governor of New-
York had to attend to his friends and so William lost his
promotion. I was indignant, outraged. I tried to get
all the officers to resign, sooner than submit to imposition.
Luckily for me, the men I sought to influence were "Canny
Scotch " — the promotion of Elliott had no material in-
terest to them. They could say that it was a shame, but
losing the liberal pay the U. S. Government allows, was
too much of a stretch upon their sense of justice, so I
was saved a deal of foolishness which must have ended
disastrously. Necessarily in the army a great amount of
temporary injustice is done, but in the long run merit
will rise. And so I satisfy myself that Wm. Elliott will
yet be a Colonel or something more, but he must bide
his time. I meant to have written ever so much more,
but just hearing the" Baltic'' sails directly, I halt abruptly,
hoping this may catch her.

Love to all.
Affectionately,

Will.

"Life of General Isaac I, Stevens,** Vol, II, p. 377.

Around Beaufort "this intrepid officer*' (Captain Elliott, of the
Highlanders), "made trip after trip within the enemy's lines, explored
the whole region, and examined every bridge between the Coosawhatchie
and the Ashepoo, located the enemy's posts, ascertained their forces,
intrenchments, guns, etc., and gleaned much information in regard to the
roads, approaches, and country. . . . The service . . . was so well
performed that it is doubtful if the Confederate commander himself
was much better informed as to the state of things within his lines
than was his opponent."

" The ygth Highlanders** p, 4gj.

Captain William Elliott became Major of the Highlanders May 12th,
1862; he was severely wounded at Chantilly, Sept. ist, 1862.

ii8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Beaufort, S. C. Jan. 26th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Another Sunday has come around, time slips quietly
by — still nothing striking has taken place. We are all
impatiently awaiting the advent of some steamer, bring-
ing us news from the Burnside Expedition. Is our coun-
try really so prolific in great Commanders } Is there a
Napoleon for each one of the dozen armies that compose
the anaconda fold ? Ay, ay, it would be a sad disappoint-
ment if the fold should happen to snap somewhere!
Things look like action down here, and that not long
hence. We have been gathering our troops gradually
on the islands about the mouth of the Savannah river.
Thither have gone our Connecticut friends, and yester-
day three more steamers, loaded, took the remainder of
Gen. Wright's Brigade with them. We are left here quite
unnoticed on Port Royal Island, in seeming safety, though
there are many troops around us. An army, boasting
much, awaits us on the mainland, but an army having
still a wholesome dread of Yankees. I made them a
sort of visit the other night (25th), passing up Hospa
Creek in a light canoe, hidden by the darkness and the
long grass of the marshes. A negro guide paddled so
lightly that, as we glided along, one might have heard
the dropping of a pin. It was fine sport and as we passed
close by the enemy's pickets we would place our thumbs
to our noses, and gracefully wave our fingers toward the
unsuspecting souls. This was by no means vulgarly in-
tended, but as we could not speak, we thus symbolically
expressed the thoughts that rose in our bosoms. We
pushed on until coming to a point where a stream like a
mere thread lay before us. Here we paused, for this was
a stream we wished to examine. At the mouth of the

WAR LETTERS 119

stream stood the sentries of the enemy. We could hear
their voices talking. We lay under the river grass, watch-
ing. Soon a boat pushed across the little stream to the
opposite shore. We shoved our canoe far into the marsh,
and lay there concealed. Then all was still and we
thought it time to return, so back we went, and returned
home unnoticed and in safety. Such little excursions give
a zest to the dulnessof camp. I have not yet been able
to give Miss Mintzing's letter to any one who could send
it to her friends, yet I hope such an opportunity will
speedily come. What is Tom Reynolds now doing ?

The paymaster has not visited us this long time, and
I have but fifty cents in my pocket. However, when one
has nothing to spend, he feels quite as happy down here,
as money can buy but few luxuries in camp. We don't
starve though. Secession cows give us milk, speculators
bring us butter, and the negroes sell us chickens.

Jan. 27th. We find all sorts of communication with
home fairly cut off. Gen. Sherman has been long plan-
ning some expedition against Fort Pulaski. At length it
has started from Hilton Head, and Gen. Sherman, with
his characteristic caution has closed all communication,
fearful that otherwise, through letter, or in some other
manner his plans might be revealed. I trust when the
embargo is raised, the same steamer that carries this to
you, will bear accounts of some new success from our
expedition.

I am sorry Uncle Phelps is disappointed that he did
not have the pleasure of reading my name in print. Why,
I read the other day (in the Herali)^ how I commanded
an enterprise at which I was not even^ present. So much
for newspaper glory! After Bull Run, numbers who never
left New-York, had themselves puffed for gallant conduct

120 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

by a mercenary press. Pooh ! Mother, your reputation
outside the circle of those who can see, is not worth the
words that picture it. I have to laugh when I think of
Brig.-Gen. of the Irish Brigade, and the af-
frighted Captain beating a quick retreat from Bull Run,
swearing that the South had fought well and deserved
its independence — that it was useless to resist a free
people, and the sooner we recognize the South the better.

Since then has become a great hero, by the

mighty powers of quackery.

Well, dear Mother, Good-bye.

Yours affectionately,

W. T. LusK.

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. Feb. 6th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

... I have received the little prayer-book from Nannie
Day and thank the dear soul many times for a remem-
brance that by no means is needless to a soldier. You
may tell her that I have several times carried it in my
pocket, when circumstances have been such as to prevent
my using the larger book which was packed in my trunk.
I must not forget now either, Tom's photograph which I
display with pride along with those of Hunt, Uncle John,
and my own mother. To-day the " Ellwood Walter "
arrived at Beaufort where the Connecticut battery is to
be landed. I went on board immediately, hoping, notwith-
standing his illness. Captain Rockwell might be aboard,
but learned he would in all likelihood arrive by the next
steamer. The "Atlantic" is looked for now hourly, and I
trust he may be aboard. I was not a little disappointed to
learn from the officers of the battery, that not a man

WAR LETTERS 121

of them all, except the Captain, had ever fired a gun
(cannon) in his life, for I had boasted much of the Con-
necticut battery which was to be sent to Port Royal.
Any time the good Governor of Connecticut, or the sons
of the worthy state, see fit to honor me, I am open to
anything like promotion. So goes the world. I have
only held as a secure and settled thing, my position as
Captain about three weeks, when I talk of something
better. I will confess to you now, that though, since
deserted by Lieut, (now Captain) Sam Elliott,^ I have
held command of a company of Highlanders, and though
I had been led to suppose for a time (on my first being
transferred to the Staff) I held it as Captain, under which
supposition I wrote you, stating the same, my real title
to the rank of Captain has only dated since the short time
I have mentioned. But having made the mistake once,
there was nothing left for me to do but to try to get a
Captaincy as soon as possible, and now that I have re-
ceived the congratulations of the Regiment and Brigade,
I think I may mention the matter candidly. Dear old
Walter, I shall be glad to hear from him. I have lately
written Hall, and trust he will forget my neglect in times
past. There is going to be a "Nigger shout'' to-night,
which a number of the officers are going to attend. As
I have no definite idea of the character of the performance
except that it is a relic of native African barbarism, I
shall attempt no description. Give my best love to all
my dear friends at home. I do not forget their kind
words, or wishes, though I do not often mention them.

Your AfFec. Son,

W. T. LusK.

1 Lieutenant Samuel R. Elliott resigned from the 79th Highlanders Sept., 1861.
He subsequently senred as Surgeon in other regiments, up to the dose of the war.

122 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. Feb. i6th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Pleasant land of South Carolina! Roses blooming
in the gardens, mocking birds whistling sweet notes
in the forests, trees green and beautiful as dense foliage
can make them — quite different from the cold winter
you are spending — but Ugh, how the wind does blow here
to-night though! It makes little difference to us
here in the house, for the bright wood-fire blazes cheer-
fully, and around it is gathered by no means a dejected
party smoking cigars, and good-naturedly cursing the
slowness of the campaign. Out of door, the pickets
perhaps, blowing their fingers, may be using deeper ex-
.pressions, and may be having different motives for wishing
the war to wag along a little faster. Would that our
little General with his big shaggy head, were in com-
mand! I think he would set them dancing over on the
mainland to the merry old tune of Malbrook, but Sher-
man is slow and cautious, and the biggest figure he allows
us to execute is a sort of dos-a-dos performance at best.

So our little General, with nothing better to do, con-
tents himself with having the best managed Brigade in
the Command, lectures us young men occasionally on
Strategy, and at times, in sheer despair, reads novels
with the same energy and vigor with which he conducts
his operation on the battlefield. He is, indeed, a prodig-
ious little man, and it would rejoice many a one, were he
to receive a larger, and more splendid field of action —
such a one as his talents demand.

Dear, dear! I am impatient to hear from home, but
our transport vessels are needed elsewhere, and we have
no idea when we are to receive another mail.

j*t. ^!ri

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WAR LETTERS 123

I see Captain — quite often. He is like

Sherman, very slow. I try to give him some hints
about flying around more, and I trust experience will
teach him the necessary lesson.

By-the-by, who is George Martin, now Quarter-
master of the 79th Regiment, who talks about "Uncle
Lusk" and "Uncle Olmstead " and "Uncle Thompson "
and " Henry G., " etc ? He heard me say I was from
Connecticut — "What, you don't belong to the Enfield
Lusks?" I explained my relationship. . . . Wishing
to ascertain the relationship existing between us, I found
he was born somewhere in Suffield, and that his using
the title of "Uncle" was merely intended to show that
he was accustomed to mingle familiarly in the Aristo-
cratic Circles of Enfield. Indeed we kept up quite a
running talk about Enfield. While talking rapidly upon
the topics suggesting themselves, on finding our " relation-
ship," we were somewhat interrupted by a loud haw-
haw from a bed in the comer of the room. Then a voice,
deep and gruflF, cried : "Haw-haw! Oh Lord, haw-haw!
One would think there were no people in the world
except those that come from Connecticut, haw-haw!"
This proceeded from a drunken Captain, who was so
amused at his own wit, that he continued to laugh,
and roll, and shake his fat sides until the room was in a
roar, and as I left, way down the street you could hear
the same "haw-haw" from the jolly drunken Captain.

Love to all.

AflFec'y.,

Will.

124 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

"Life of General Isaac I, Stevens^^ VoL 11^ f. 367.

Whfle at Beaufort, General Stevens's ''attention, moreover, was largely
taken up with other matters^ not military. ... He caused the public
library . . . with several fine private libraries added to it, to be put in
order, restored to the shelves and catalogued, and thrown open for the use
of the troops. . . . He intended that the library, thus preserved, should
be cared for and kept in the town where it belonged, and restored to the
inhabitants when they resumed their allegiance and returned to their
homes. But one day the treasury agent. Colonel William H. Reynolds,
presented himself, and demanded the books as captured rebel property,
to be sold for the benefit of the government, a demand which General
Stevens indignantly and peremptorily rejected." General Stevens pro-
tested to General Sherman, but the latter "was unwilling to take such
a responsibility and there was no alternative but to give up the books."

Page 368. General Stevens heartily approved taking measures to
induce the negroes to plant crops, but he seriously doubted the propriety
of teaching them the elementary branches, " pointing out that to educate
the blacks and raise hopes of freedom in their breast would make their
condition doubly hard in case, on the suppression of the rebellion, they
had to return to their masters."

Page 375. "At this time" (March, 1862) "General Stevens wrote
Professor Bache a memoir to be laid before the President, giving his views
of the military policy and operations to be undertaken. Dr. Lusk,
who, as his aide, copied the letter from the rough draft, declares that he
urged the very movements that were afterward adopted, and was greatly
impressed with the ability and prophetic foresight of the memoir.^ Un-
fortunately, no copy of it has been found."

Headquarters 2d Brigade S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. March 2d, 1862.
My Jear Mother:

In the short letter I wrote you last week, I mentioned
that I would not encourage your visiting Beaufort, and
will now state my reasons more at length. In the first
place, we have here some four thousand men on the island,
of whom the best are long separated from the refining
influence of home, and, in consequence, the two or three
ladies who are visiting here are subject to a deal of coarse
remark, to which I would not be willing that any woman
should be subjected, where it lay in my power to prevent.

1 Dr. Lutk often in conversation reiterated this statement.

WAR LETTERS 125

Again, it would be quite impossible to provide you with
such accommodations as would enable you to spend a
few days without more suffering than you could well bear.
It is all well for Quartermasters, who are not liable to be
removed from this Post at a moment's notice, to provide
themselves with bedding and comforts from the North,
suitable for lady friends, but this cannot be the case
with those of us who are liable to an order to move at
any moment, and to whom only a certain number of
lbs. of baggage is allowed. We are not, moreover, so
absolutely secure from the probability of an attack, that
it is with perfect safety a lady may venture here. Should
an attack take place, there would be a double duty to
perform, the one to place my mother in security, and
at the same time to assist in providing for the safety
of the Brigade. I fear it would be hard to combine the
two. However, I will say this, a hotel is soon to be
opened here. If it has the effect to draw many lady
visitors to Beaufort, I would not then say nay to your
coming, but I imagine it will become more the resort
of topers than of fine ladies. Well, dear mother, let us
trust that there will soon be some way opened to us
by which we may meet happily.

I tell you what I think would be a capital idea though —
that is for Hunt or Walter, or both, to make me a flying
visit one of these days. I think that would really be capital.

I was round to dine with Alfred Rockwell to-day. He
is certainly a real good fellow, and if I have not given
him the credit for rapidity of action, he certainly is doing
what he attempts exceedingly well. His whole soul is
absorbed in his battery, and he makes a better officer
every day. I wrote Horace a few days ago, and trust he
may receive my letter. We are getting, in indirect ways.

126 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

glorious news from the North concerning the capture
of Fort Donelson, and are now impatiently awaiting
the arrival of a steamer with particulars. We can hardly
credit a report now current, regarding a convention to be
called by the Governor of Tennessee to repeal the
Secession Ordinance in that State. Our latest dates are
Feb. 1 6th, and here it is the 2d of March.

There was quite a funny affair happened last night
among the pickets. Fresh meat has long been scarce in
the Command, and we are forced to await the arrival of
a steamer from the North before we can indulge in such
a luxury. This morning, among the "Reports" sent
in to these Headquarters from the "Advanced Posts,"
was one containing the following remarkable account:
That about i o'clock last night, the pickets guarding a
causeway were startled by the steady tramp of advanc-
ing footsteps. On looking in the direction whence the
sound came, they saw — Oh wonderful! a cow march-
ing steadily toward them, a secessionist grasping her
by the tail, and five men following in single file, protected
from harm by the flanks of this redoubtable cow. Our
pickets, instead of running, fired upon the foe. The cow
fell groaning to the earth, and the secessionists fled and
were seen no more. I hardly need add, that those pickets
had fresh meat for breakfast, and though the laws against
killing cattle are very stringent, in such a case nothing
could be said. Capt. Elliott has not yet arrived, so I
am not yet in receipt of the wine Uncle Phelps has been
kind enough to send me. Still I thank him very much
for his kind remembrance.

It is getting late, so many kisses, mother, and good-

"•g»^^- I am very afFec'y, ^_ ^^ ^USK.

WAR LETTERS 127

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. March loth, 1862.

My dearest Mother:

The "Atlantic" brought Wm. Elliott who had much to
tell me of you all, and I gladly learned of your happiness
and good health. The letters with the latest news and
Lilly's carte-de-visitey likewise came to hand. I must
thank Lilly a thousand times for having undergone the
ordeal of being photographed for my sake. Only let
Molly go and do likewise. As for the little boys, I fear
their moustaches will grow before their mother will con-
sider them lovely enough for the occasion. Pshaw! As
though a photograph could represent a red nose or a cold
in the head!

Well, I thank Uncle Phelps most heartily for the wine
he sent me, which has been much commended by judges
of the article. Aunt Maria's crackers were a welcome
addition to our mess for which I am this month acting
as caterer.

I received a long, long letter from Sam Elliott, for which
I am most grateful. Tell him, if I do not answer as
speedily as it deserves, he will nevertheless always re-
member how much I prize his friendship. I am very
glad you did not accompany "the excellent females"
whom the "Atlantic" brought hither for the purpose
of regenerating the negro race. Theyihave been having
a most royal time of it I assure you. Some of the ladies
are from Boston, and do not wish to associate with
ladies from New- York. Indeed, some of the Boston ladies
have been creditably informed that the New- York dele-
gation is composed of nothing better than milliners.
The New- York ladies say that they have volunteered

tA "RULl^J-C TB'J^U^J^ LZ3

Guttr lerric.*! -while the -rn: irr^ricic Biisnit -v^misi
ar* z^jfsrKTJt i'jr^rx, 2, mincE: — in £icr 5r» rani
fvr rrjtir vrjStTjrr, And io tie hairie raises iiapr. ]

Ther u:;:&^>4ed tker -wire ririn^r her* ta icrjirr
luperS nukrLiioca of die wtaihiesc -^t Sccrhern. Panrgrs —
ttk-ji maiwir-aa as too r«ai ot h: Mrs. Can-irn*^ Lee Heicz'5
picrart of Soaefaem Ete- Tne^ have cirre. hijwig^er. ami
fourui in oM-fajhsofiexi rr/wm wirh crumh^in^ c-ui-cashioQed
hiViiei, all run to irajre in piazzz — verr picturaque ta
Wjk at fo mr tr/t^ — "^fcur t&ea ther are so iiffercnc.'"
fhe htdiet sav, ^to what we are acniscocied aboczt
B^^^/oo.** Wirh the rrjen of the Assodanoa there has been
ly^ liftie fan. The^- are ffricrK- non-cocibarants. and have
irAettd a v>ft of uiperior feeling to thiDse who are brutalhr
employed in bearing arms. For this they hare been
prumifaed by being made the recipients of the most mar*
irelloTts '^canards'* imaginable. They are kept in a
ovAfinual uare of alarm by reports of a speedy attach
frotn r/verwhelming forces. They are comfoned by the
c/^/lest aMurances that the enemy would in no case regard
th4!rm as priv>ners of war, but would hang them without
a/mpunction to the nearest tree.

But I have told scandal enough. We were reviewed
a week ago by Gen. Sherman. Our brigade made a
fine appearance, and I am glad to particularize our Corm.
Battery which really reflected very creditably on its cap-
tain. I met a young fellow a few days ago, named

^ who says he knew you and Lilly when you

were at the Wauregan Hotel. I believe he had a class
in Sunday-school then, though somewhat anxious to play
the fast tx>y now. Well, it seems we are making rapid
progress in the war, and who knows but that I may be

WAR LETTERS 129

home by next 4th of July, instructing Mary*s boys in
firing off crackers and other noisy nuisances incident to
the occasion.

Good-bye, my dear, darling Mother. Love to you and
all of my friends, to sisters and the little children. You
must report progress too about Walter's boy.

By-the-by, you addressed me some time ago in a most
mysterious manner. Reading over the letter lately, I have
concluded to answer with equal mystery — "Precisely!"

Your affectionate son,

W. T. Lusk,
A ide-de-Camp,

"Life of General Isaac I. Stevens,** Vol. II, p. 369.

"But the generals were only wasting time in discussing the negro
problem, for by the next steamer, early in March, there descended
on the Department of the South, like the locusts on Egypt, a swarm
of treasury agents and humanitarians, male and female, all zealously
bent on educating and elevating the 'freedmen,' as they immediately
dubbed the blacks. The irreverent young officers styled these good
people the 'Gideonites,' and were disposed to make all manner of fun
of them; but among the number were persons of the highest respecta-
bility and purest motives, and they undoubtedly accomplished some
good. They met with a cold and ungracious reception from Gen.
Sherman, who declared that their coming was uncalled for and entirely
premature, and incontinently packed them off to Beaufort to the care
of General Stevens. . . . The latter treated them with the utmost
courtesy. ... He took a real interest in their mission, talked and
advised with the chiefs, and exerted a decided and salutary influence
in modifying some of their crude and extravagant ideas.''

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. March 24th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

The steamer arrived last night, bringing a long letter
from you, one from Horace and one from Walter, affording
of course much pleasure, but the tone of all occasion-

130 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

ing much surprise. Indeed, in the midst of all our
victories and astonishing successes, it is to me inexplicable
why McClellan should be attacked with such a savage
spirit! I had no idea that the spirit of malevolence could
carry men so far, but I am confident that McClellan will
stand justified on the pages of history for preferring to
ensure victory where reverses would have been well nigh
fatal. The plan of the present grand campaign may
not entirely have originated with McClellan, but un-
doubtedly he had the total arrangement of it. It seems
to me to be as wise and perfect a one as was possible,
considering the magnificence of its proportions. Of
course, people will cry: "Why was not all that has been
done, done long ago V* But I honor him the more that he
had the moral courage to wait. It is well enough to talk
about the immense army at his disposal, but if the army
is a mere mob without cohesive power, a Napoleon
might lead them, and see them fly from earthworks that
would excite a soldier*s derision. I believe now we have
an army of soldiers, and believe we will win victories at
every turn. I do not forget though the lesson of Bull
Run, and more than that, it is not many months ago I
can remember that our army, despite every effort of its
commanders, was a poor, cowed, spiritless thing — a good
army to get killed in, but a poor one to look for the crown
of laurel. I say McClellan has done a glorious thing,
and shame on his detractors! A few short weeks ago
when Elliott was off recruiting, he met with few recruits,
but many a coward tongue eloquently detailing our re-
verses. And now I suppose they would rob those who
have borne the burden and heat of day, of the poor praise
which they had hoped for when the fruit of their labors
had ripened, and the reapers were ready to gather a har-

WAR LETTERS 131

vest of glory. I have heard many say that they do not
pretend to have any military knowledge, but they do
pretend to be governed by a little common sense, and com-
mon sense teaches them so-and-so. Now, dear mother,
be sure, when you hear men talk thus, that common sense
means simply pure ignorance. It was this common
sense, alias ignorance, that forced the battle of Bull
Run. It was a little military knowledge that has made
the opening of the year 1862 a glorious one for our
Union Army. Enough ! I have had my say — have ex-
pressed my disgust — and may now change the subject.

My dearest Mother, it will be a sweet thing for us all
to see peace once more restored, and I do not doubt that
no one prays more earnestly for it than yourself. I
cannot but feel that a Higher Power has guided us of late
to victory and do not fear for the result, yet bloody battles
must be fought in which we must all partake, before
the olive-branch is possible. I hardly think that the
impatient ones at home, who are clamorous as to the in-
activity and want of efficiency of our army, will have
in the end any reason to complain that blood enough has
not been shed to compensate them for the millions they
have expended on it.

Many think that before July the war will be ended.
How pleasant a time it will be when I can honorably
return home. There is no sweeter anticipation than the
joy I know my return would bring to your heart. I have
been called away to attend to' some business. Very
much love to my dear sisters and the little ones.

AfFec'y.,

Will.

132 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I wrote the above shortly after reading my letters.
Since then I have been diligently reading the papers,
and perhaps must modify my opinions somewhat, but as
the mail leaves in a few moments, you must take the first
outburst, or none. You offer me a flag; send it, dear
mother, by all means. It shall be carried when we
advance.

Lovingly,

Will.

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. March 31st, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I hear the "Atlantic," which has just arrived, will return
at once, so I do not feel willing to lie down without writ-
ing a few lines, though it is full bedtime now. Gen.
Hunter was here this afternoon. I saw too little of him,
however, to form any judgment with regard to him, as
his visit was brief. Poor Sherman must betake himself
to the Mississippi, and forego for the future the sweets
of unrestrained authority. Sherman has doubtless done
a good work down here, though he has gained no glo-
rious victories. This, however, was not expected by
Government which never once thought of supplying him
with the force requisite to active operation. To be sure
his force comprises nearly 20,000 men, but it must be
remembered this is not a great force when the line ex-
tends from Dan to Beersheba. I am no special admirer
of Sherman, but still do not think it worth while to join
in abusing him as bitterly as most do, for not attempting
what did not lie in his power. Perhaps I am mistaken,
but I hardly think it probable Gen. Hunter will do much

WAR LETTERS 133

better than his predecessor unless properly reinforced.
Few Generals, I find, have that taste for fruitless slaughter
common to civilians, and most shrink from sacrificing life
where nothing definite can be gained. My friends fre-
quently write, asking me if I am not disgusted at the
utter inactivity of the Command, and at times I have
written strongly, still I could not but know that we were
so from necessity. We were sent here by Government
simply to defend a Harbor where our blockading squad-
ron could ride in safety. This object has been accom-
plished, and not only this, but the whole remaining coast
as far as the Gulf of Mexico is occupied by our troops.
More than this has been done, but I pause, for there
will be much to tell when the war is over, which one
may not mention now. I do not wish you to understand
that Savannah and Charleston might not have been ours
had our leader been a greater man than is generally
vouchsafed to armies, but we' must give him credit for
accomplishing reasonable possibilities. Stevens, I think,
would have accomplished impossibilities, but quien sabe.

We have all been much amused in reading the papers
brought by the last mail, at the editorials of Bennett on
"Our Only Son." It is necessary to see "Our Only
Son" to appreciate the feeling remarks of the tender
parent.

Do not suppose that, because I felt some little amuse-
ment at the early experience of the "Brethren" down
here, I am in any wise inclined to join in the vulgar
abuse so common with the multitude. I sincerely trust,
indeed, their efforts may be attended with success, and
certainly know some extremely pleasant people among

them. I do not like Mr. though, and am inclined

to doubt the sincerity of a few.

134 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Had I been up North I should have tried to have got
Gen. Tyler to make me his Adjutant-General, being able,
I believe, to give satisfactory testimonials of capacity for
the detail office-work of a Brigade, but I am too far away
to heat my own irons, and, indeed, I suppose it is much
better to wait down here, until something has been done
by our Command. Write me if Frank Bend is to occupy
the position I have mentioned. He could fill it well.

I have got quite well acquainted with two of General
Tyler's old Aides now on Gen. Sherman's Staff and both
fine fellows. I give the names, O'Rourke and Merrill, as
Mrs. T. may have been acquainted with them.

Well, my dear mother, I write a deal that I would
not like to have repeated.

My clothes, though quite lately new (December), are
beginning to grow rusty. I think it would be a good
plan to have a new suit made for me. I shall need it
before it reaches me. I am greatly in need of shirts (3
will do me). You know I left home with a small valise.
My wardrobe has since been diminished by Bull Run, by
washerwomen, by thieves, and by natural wear and tear,
so that I have become almost as much an object of charity
as the contrabands. I have been under the hallucination
ever since leaving home, that a good time would come
when I would be able to return again, and fit myself out
properly for a campaign. Not having seen the time yet,
it was lucky that the box you sent me supplied me with
the means of sustaining myself to say the least.

Now, my dear mother, fearing that you may exaggerate
my needs, I will confess candidly that all I want are 3
or 4 shirts and a few pairs of stockings. Handkerchiefs
and towels I have in abundance. I would like everything
as plain as possible, for anything that has a tinge of red.

WAR LETTERS 135

or yellow or blue, it is impossible to prevent the negroes
from appropriating to their own uses.

Before two months are over, the time for military opera-
tion down here will have passed, so we have every
reason to suppose that the time has come when our
Command will commence a victorious career. When the
summer heats shall prevent any further movement, I trust,
dear mother, I may be allowed to spend a few days with
you. That would be so delightful. Good-bye, kiss all
around, sisters, little ones and all. Love to Aunt Maria
and Uncle Phelps. Tell the latter I will send him a
check by the earliest opportunity.

Yours afFec'y.,

Will.

Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.

Beaufort, S. C. April 3d, 1862.
My dear Mother:

The steamer has not yet gone, so I seat myself once
more to write you a few lines. With regard to getting
myself a new suit of clothes I have changed my mind
for the present, having been fortunate enough to obtain
a light flannel suit for every day wear, from one of the
officers just returning from the North. This will be fully
sufficient with my old suit, until I shall have an oppor-
tunity to return home — a thing not to be anticipated for
the present — when I wish to appear as fine as possible.
Mrs. Gen. Stevens returns by the "Atlantic,'* it having
been thought best by our new Commander to send home
all officers' wives. The order has not yet been issued,
but Mrs. Stevens wishes to leave in time to anticipate it.
On arriving at New-York, she will stop at the St. Nicholas
Hotel for two or three davs. If you can manage to see

136 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

her, you will be much pleased with her, as she is extremely
lady-Hke and agreeable.

I told Alfred Rockwell of your congratulations, at which
he seemed much pleased. Love to all.

Affec'y.,

Will.

Beaufort, S. C. April loth, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I was glad to get your photograph, as it does not look,
as did the other one you sent me, as though you were the
last inhabitant without a friend left in the world. This
one is a thousand times more agreeable, though I have
to make allowances for those very extraordinary expres-
sions which play about your mouth, when photographically
tortured.

The bombardment of Pulaski has begun to-day. Full
accounts, I hope, of the " fall " will be taken North by
the steamer bearing this. We can hear the guns booming
in the distance, but our Brigade, with the exception of
the 8th Michigan Regiment, is condemned to remain at
Beaufort. So I shall see nothing, but hope soon to hear
the fort is ours, and, indeed, so secretly, yet so securely
have preparations been made, that we can hardly fail
of success. It is dangerous though to make predictions,
so often have I read similar sentences in " Secesh " letters
written just previous to a defeat.

The atmosphere is most delightful to-day. I wish
you could breathe such balmy, though invigorating air.
It is hard to realize that it soon will change to an atmos-
phere deleterious in character.

It is strange to think how ordinary dangers lose all
terror in these war-times. I have been almost constantly

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WAR LETTERS 137

exposed to smallpox, yet never have so much as thought
of the matter further than to assure myself that the vac-
cination was all right. It is wonderful too how perfect
a safeguard vaccination is. Although smallpox has been
so prevalent, it has been wholly confined to the negroes
and young children, and a few backwoodsmen, to whom
modern safeguards were not accessible, or who had neg-
lected the common precaution. I think there has not
been a case among our vaccinated soldiers. It is quite a
relief to feel that this is so.

I am glad to hear of all my friends wheeling so enthu-
siastically into the service of their country. As far as I
can ascertain, the position of an Allotment Commissioner
is one that requires an earnest determination to do some-
thing, to tempt any one to accept it, and yet it is really
a philanthropic act to perform its purposes.

I wish Charley Johnson would come down here. I
would give him the best reception I know how, and this
is a pleasant season to visit Beaufort. You ask for my
photograph dear mother, and I meant long since to have
gratified you, having had myself taken alone, in company
with the Staff, and on horseback with the Staff — in a
variety of positions, you see, to suit everyone. But I know
not how it is that I have never been able to get a copy since
they were first struck off, although we have had promises
enough that they will soon be ready. I intended to
surprise you, but despairing of success, I write the matter
that you may not think I have not tried to gratify your
wishes.

I am suffering great torments from the sand-flies which
abound. These are the peskiest little creatures you ever
saw, completely forbidding sleep on a warm night, and
defying such flimsy obstruction as mosquito bars.

138 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I wrote Sam Elliott a few days ago. Wm. Elliott has
returned looking well, and disgusted with leaves of ab-
sence. He is really about the most efficient man in the
Brigade. His education has given him great habits of
self-reliance, which are invaluable in his profession. Give
my love to Mrs. Walter Phelps, and tell her I expect she
will send me a photograph of that precious baby of hers.
Capital idea photographs are!

Love to all my dear friends.

AfFec'y.,
Will.

(To Horace Barnard)

Beaufort, S. C. April 12th, 1862.

I hardly know how, writing from peaceful Beaufort, I
can find themes so exciting as to gratify the tastes of the
public, used to tales of victories purchased at bloody
rates; yet the importance of the work now quietly being
wrought at Beaufort must not be underrated.

Here too, as well as on the splendid fields of the West,
the spirit of John Brown is marching on. Toward the
close of last autumn our troops entered Beaufort, then
deserted by its inhabitants, and looking sad and desolate.
Now the winter has passed away and the spring is far
advanced. Nature has put on her most lovable hues.
The dense dark foliage of the pine and the magnolia
harmoniously mingle with the bright new leaves of the
forest. The streets of the city are once more busy with
life. Vessels float in the harbor. Plantations are being
cultivated. Wharves are being built. Business is pros-
perous. And the quondam proud resort of the proudest
of Aristocrats is being inundated with Yankees acquainted
with low details regarding Dollars and Cents. There

WAR LETTERS 139

are all sorts of Yankee ventures in town, from the man
with the patent armor recommended by McClellan, which
no one buys, to the enterprising individual who manu-
factures pies in the old Connecticut style, and who has
laid the foundation of an immense fortune. Even the "one
only man of Beaufort," catching the spirit of trade, dis-
plays a few dingy wares in a shop-window. "But why,'*
the impatient public asks, "is our Army so far away
from Savannah ?'* "Strategy, my dear public, *' I answer.
Can anything be more beautiful than the strategy of our
Leaders, which strips war of its terrors and makes it so
eminently safe? Tell me, if Mars chooses to beat his
sword into a ploughshare, and devote himself to the cul-
tivation of sea-island cotton, and invites live Yankees
to assist him therein, ought not the satire of the thing
to please the restless spirit of John Brown and excite it to
renewed efforts in its great performance of marching on ?
Now there is no doubt that our Army ought long ago to
have been in possession of both Charleston and Savannah.
Common sense teaches us that much, although we know
nothing whatever of military affairs forsooth, and still
less of the peculiar circumstances which happen to govern
the action of our Generals.- Well, when we see matters
in this condition, common sense teaches us that the
proper remedy is to decapitate incompetency, and to put
the " right man in the right place." The proper time for
doing this is when, after long and earnest labor, a Com-
mander is seen to be ready to strike a blow. Then is the
moment to clamor loudly for his dismissal, and insist
that another be put in his place, and when this one shall
reap the harvest his predecessor sowed, we will all nod
our heads approvingly at such evidence of our own
ineffable wisdom. This is decidedly the most pleasant

140 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

mode of proceeding for a public unacquainted with mili-
tary matters but governed by common sense, and it is
so satisfactory to all parties concerned, excepting perhaps
the poor devil that gets decapitated. This, however, is
a digression, intended possibly as a sort of "haec fabula
docet" derived from the recent capture of Pulaski. So,
to return —

Oh, dam it all, my dear Horace, Fll send the subscrip-
tion price of the Evening Post without further delay.
Here Fve been floundering around, using up whole reams
of paper trying to work up. a newspaper style, but I have
only succeeded in getting together a vast amount of ma-
terial to kindle fires with. I thought I was doing beauti-
fully when I commenced this, but, becoming disgusted
with myself, I have concluded to give you the benefit
of the production and spare the public. Thanks many
times for your long, kind letter. You don't know how
enjoyable it was. It has got to be late at night and
soldiers must rise early you know. I have just been
reading over this epistle and see that I have been
making a feeble eflFort to be funny. Prithee forgive me.
I didn't mean to. Give my love to Cousin Lou, Miss
Hattie, Anima Mia, Miss Alice (if it be proper), and
friends upon Murray Hill.

Very afFec'y.,

Will Lusk.

Beaufort, S. C. April 15th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Not wishing you to be exposed to disappointment, I
must write a few brief lines by the mail that I have just
learned will leave here in a short time. I have hardly
anything to write beside the delight at the news received

WAR LETTERS 141

by latest advices. The fall of No. 10, the battle at
Corinth, and the surrender of Pulaski are a rare combina-
tion of good things to come at one time. I can give you
no particulars regarding the bombardment at Pulaski,
as it was expected to continue several days, and the Gen-
eral consequently postponed visiting the scene of action
until it was too late. The newspapers, however, will be
full of the matter, I suppose, and will be loud in their
praises of General Hunter, though he had really nothing
whatever to do with It. The whole affair was prepared
under the Sherman regime^ and to it belongs the credit.
The one immediately deserving of credit is General
Gilmore who has had the direct superintendence of the
matter.

We are hoping for reinforcements soon from the North,
feeling, as we do, unwilling to enter into summer without
having contributed something to the glory and success
of our cause. But we are half relinquishing the hope
that the Government considers our little post in other
light than a good field, for emancipation experiments.
I am sorry to say I do not feel great sympathy in the efforts
made at present in that line — not that I do not feel the
necessity of the question's being settled, or do not feel
the same interest that others do in the question itself. I
am delighted to think that the time has come when slavery
has lost its power, and something is to be done for the
regeneration of the negro, but believe the question to be
one of such delicacy, and requiring in its solution such
rare wisdom, that I can not but be filled with extreme
disgust at the character of the agents employed. I do
believe that there is hardly one of them who would
have the slightest chance of success in anything but pro-
fessional philanthropy. A more narrow-minded pack of

142 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

fools I rarely ever met. Instead of showing the neces-
sary qualities for the position, they seem to care for
nothing but their miserable selves. There is undoubtedly
some good leaven in the mass, but, could you see them,
the men especially, I do not think they would command
your sympathies much. I suppose such preHminary
experiments have to be made though, before any syste-
matic plan can be adopted for the general amelioration
of the mass. I do wish though there were more unselfish
ones among them, and a few more acquainted with
worldly matters. The ladies are by far the best part,
for they mostly came down under excitement, or deter-
mined to do good. Here's a pretty dish of scandal, truly,
but I get exasperated sometimes.

I am much obliged to Hattie for her kind offer to make
the flag for me. Any such evidence of kindly feeling is
appreciated, I assure you, down here.

A steamer lies embedded in the sand a short distance
from the shore. I think it has some mail matter aboard,
so I watch it impatiently.

Good-bye, dear Mother, love to all and believe me.

Affectionately,
Your son.

Will.

"Rebellion Record/' Vol IV, p. 441 of Documents.

Gen. Sherman's reconnoissance on the Corinth (Miss.) road occurred
April 8th.

'*Life of General Isaac I, Stevens** VoL II y pp. 378 and 379.

"With the thorough knowledge of the enemy's defences he had so
carefully gained," (through scouts — Captain William Elliott and Cap-
tain Ralph Ely) General Stevens conceived the plan of destroying the
railway between Charleston and Savannah, and then with Sherman's

WAR LETTERS 143

cooperation, "to strike for Charleston by the inner waterways . . . th^s
completely turning the heavy harbor and sea defences which protected
the city against a front attack. . . . General Sherman decided to adopt
and carry it" (Stevens's plan) "out as soon as the fall of Pulaski should
free his whole force for the operation. Commodore Dupont also heartily
entered into the plan."

Page 380. "Fort Pulaski fell April nth. "With due allowance for
preparation and delays, the railroad should have been destroyed and
our army in possession of Church Flats" (14 miles from Charleston)
"by May 1st."

Page 383. "But this promising movement was nipped in the bud
by the untimely and unexpected arrival of Major-General David Hunter
to supersede Sherman. Brigadier-General H. W. Benham accom-
panied Hunter as a kind of second in command. In fact, both officers
were enfants terrihlesy whom the administration exiled to South Carolina
to get rid of. Hunter had just been relieved from commanding in Mis-
souri, for an act of insubordination in issuing an emancipation proclama-
tion in defiance of orders; and Benham, fresh from skirmishes in West
Virginia, was in Washington, claiming eveiything in the way of credit,
and loudly importuning the government for high command, when they
were ordered to South Carolina."

"Sherman turned over the command of the department, and sailed
Nonh April 8th. Three days later Pulaski fell after a day and a halfs
bombardment, and Benham made haste to claim the credit of the achieve-
ment due to Sherman and Gilmore."

A clipping from a Norwich newspaper of April 24th, 1862, entitled
" From Hilton Head " and giving news of the Connecticut troops under
Major-General Hunter, includes the following:

"Capt.Wm.T. Lusk, of the Seventy-ninth N. Y., (late of this city),
now on Gen. Stevens's staff, is located at Beaufort. There is no one
who surpasses him in reputation for gallantry, and soldierly qualities."

Beaufort, S. C. May 2d, 1862.
My dear Mother:

May has opened charmingly in Beaufort. The air is
warm but not oppressive. We are luxuriating in green
peas, strawberries, blackberries, all the early vegetables,
and the fig trees, loaded with fruit, will soon supply us
with an abundance of green figs. Fish are supplied by
the rivers in great plenty. Indeed we are well supplied

144 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

with all sorts of good things, so we have little of which
we can complain, except inaction. It is now fifteen days
since a mail has reached us from the North. Telegraphic
news in the columns of the Charleston Mercury dated
the 26th, speaks of the city being in great alarm from
the advancing army and fleet of Genl. Butler. A sailing
vessel occasionally brings us a newspaper from the North.
Otherwise we would be quite separated from the rest of
mankind, and would be compelled to consider the North
as having regularly seceded from us.

I have received the beautiful flag you sent me. I gave
it to the boys of the Company, who were delighted. The
other companies are quite envious. Thanks, dear Mother,
a thousand times, for the expression of your love.

I think after all I must have that new suit of clothes
I wrote for before. Notwithstanding all efforts to the
contrary, my old suit will persist in growing daily rustier,
and more unseemly in the seams. So if you will please
have the suit ordered, I shall find good use for it full as
soon as it shall be ready for me.

Tell Mr. Johnson I had a right pleasant time with his
friend Bronson, and add too that Sloat's men produced
such an effect on the 79th Regiment, that it is impossible
to persuade them that the whole affair of allotment is
anything more than a Jew swindle. I am looking for-
ward with great delight to the next steamer arrival, an-
ticipating a heavy mail after so long neglect. There is
so little of interest to write. I believe I wrote you there
was quite a charming lady, a Mrs. Caverly, stopping at
the Generars. Her husband is dying with consumption
and has come here to try the effect of the climate. You
can imagine that a pretty and lively lady makes quite a
difference in the house.

WAR LETTERS 145

You do not know how inexpressibly indignant I feel at
the attacks made on McClellan. They are certainly most
scandalous, and calculated to ensure his defeat were he
in any wise what his enemies represent him. It is the
height of folly to suppose that men are going to sacrifice
their lives, unless they have good reason to suppose that
they are to be brought at the right moment to the right
spot to play their part in gaining a victory. You have
only to convince them that incompetent men are putting
them in positions to occasion a defeat, and they will run
before a shot is fired. It would seem that the enemies
of McClellan are doing their utmost to produce that sort
of spirit of distrust in our troops, so as to lead to new
disasters. I am sick and tired of these howling politicians
who would be willing to see everything we consider holy
destroyed, provided they could only under the new regime
get the Governmental patronage of the devil.

AfFec'y. your son.

Will.

Flourishes supposed to indicate genius.

Headquarters 2d Brigade.

My dear Mother:

The '* Atlantic" has just arrived bringing me two letters
from which I judge all is going on well at home. I had
heard from Mr. Johnson that Lilly would soon be married,
but I did not give the matter much thought, willing to
wait until I should hear the story from the best of all
sources of information — herself. I must say I cordially
approve of the measure. Prudence is without doubt most
commendable, and Mr. Matthus is certainly theoretically
right, still, luckily for the happiness of young couples.

146 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I believe that it is generally conceded that it is in the
shop of Care and Responsibility that the best kind of
prudence gets fabricated. I go in for the wedding at
any rate. Shall make myself merry on the occasion if
allowed to attend, and have some romantic notions that
trouble is not so hard to bear when there are two to
share the burden. Anyway let Lilly write me, and give
me her mature reflections on the subject.

I was very much gratified to think you took the little
parcel of money I sent home last. It makes me feel quite
proud to think I could be of any help in such a way. I
do hope Dr. Grant will get sent to Congress. He would
be such an honor to my native State, and would know
how to keep his political garments clean, even in a cess-
pool such as our National Capitol.

Of course we are all hurrahing for the evacuation of
Yorktown. It so happens that the rebels have no place
its equal in strength in the whole confederacy. Yet that
wretched puling sheet, the , while professing pleas-
ure, is covertly pursuing McClellan as usual, declaring
that the work had been greatly exaggerated, and that
we might have had Yorktown a month ago. My dear
Mother, I have had the pleasure of seeing and knowing
the pack of vagabonds that follow our armies in the
employ of newspapers for the purpose of criticising our
movements, and I know that truth, fairness and prin-
ciple in description go only so far as the polidcs of their
respective sheets allow. It would make you indignant
could you see the characters who take upon themselves
the censorship of our military movement. Such a thing
as any reasonable acquaintance with what they prate about,
is unnecessary and probably would interfere too much
with the style of their cridcism.

WAR LETTERS 147

You may see Wm. Ely, who is now North. He is one
of our Conn, boys who does his state great credit.

We had a concert here a few evenings ago, so I will
enclose the programme.

Good-bye. Much love to all.

Your afFec. Son,

Will.

Beaufort, S. C. May i8th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I am going to write you a short letter to-night, as there
are some rumors of business on hand this week, which
may not leave me much time for correspondence. If it
should turn out a false alarm, I will try and write again
shortly. Time is slipping by rapidly, as my clothes
testify especially, and unless I soon receive a reinforce-
ment to my stock, I shall look like a "Secesh" after a
twelve-month blockade. My present suit, after stand-
ing by me nobly for several months, seemed all of a sud-
den to give out all over, as you know clothes will do at
times. Fact is, I supposed I should have been home for
a few days long before now, but a favorable moment
does not seem to turn up ready made to suit my case
exactly. If you have a chance, please send me a cravat,
as my own, under the influence of the weather, after pass-
ing through a thousand varieties of color, has finally
settled into such rueful hues, that I have concluded to
beg for another. Any lady that will make me a present
of a new cravat, shall receive in exchange the old one as
a specimen of what things come to after having been
through the wars. A box of tooth-powder would like-
wise be acceptable as my teeth are getting quite shabby.
Never mind, I will come home and get tinkered up one of

14$ WILLUM TSOMPSOS UCSK

these d2Y% a thing I am im^itihr in attd cf. I woodier
whether opemng the Poet of Beaafbrt will bring hicher-
ward a large initannifnr of the cocunerce of the world;
if so, never mind about the tooth-powder.

We hare all been pkasandy eTcired by the cxmmng
escape of the negroes from Charleston with the Steamer
** Planter.'* The pilot, Robert, is the hero of the hour,
and is realhr a most remarkable specimen of the duskr
ions of Africa (alias nigger), never using a word of less
than three sjrQabies when an opportunity offers.

We all were in the habit of abusing G^d. Sherman in
old timesy but with customary fickleness^ wish him back
again now. This last batch of General officers with the
**GTt2t Superseder" (Hunter) at the head, is poor trash at
best, so that there are few who would not rejoice to have
^ Uncle Tim" (Sherman) back again, notwithstanding
his dyspepsia and peripatetic propensities. This is entre
nous, and quite unofficial, for as my superior officer, I
must recognize in the ''Great Superseder" a miracle of
wisdom, forecast and discretion. Oh my, what an ill-
natured letter! Never mind, behind it all there is lots
of love in it for those whose eyes it is likely to meet, and
kisses too for my mother, sisters, nephews and others
where they would be at once desirable and proper.

The '^Connecticut" has arrived, but the mail has not
been distributed yet.

Yours affec'y->
W. T. LusK.

''Life of General Isaac L Stevens^ Vol. 11^ p. 374.

The following is taken from a letter wiiitai bj Gen. Stevens to his
wife, dated May i8th.

"Above is a view of the steamer Planter, a despatch boat of Gen.
Ripley in Charleston Harbor, which was run off by the pilot Robert

WAR LETTERS 149

and the black crew last week. It is a very remarkable afFair, and
makes quite a hero of Robert. She was tied up at the wharf close to
Ripley's office. Yet he slipped out of the harbor unobserved, and gave the
steamer up to our blockading fleet. The Planter lay at Beaufort from
Thursday morning to this morning. She was run off on Tuesday,
May 13th."

Beaufort, S. C. May 28th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

After 12 o'clock at night, and the certainty of a fatiguing
day to-morrow, to be followed still by days in which sleep
will be but stingily indulged in — so I must write briefly.
At length a prospect is before us of active service. The
long dreamed of time has arrived, and the word ''On-
ward to Charleston" has been spoken. Unless a steamer
arrives to-morrow from the North, which shall utterly
change all plans, on Friday we will make our start. The
same steamer that takes you this will likewise make known
to you my fate. I trust I may write you from Charles-
ton. The plan of attack is Benham's. Hunter only
suffers it. Capt. Elliott is off to-night to destroy the
railroad communication between Charleston and Sav-
annah. He is our principal dependence when anything
desperate is to be wisely done.

Multitudes of farewell kisses for yourself, sisters, the
little boys, and others claiming love, and the kindest
remembrances to Hunt, Tom, Walter, Horace, Sam and
others.

Good-bye, dear Mother.

Aflrec'y.,

Will.

**Life of General Isaac /. Stevens" Vol, II ^ p, 387.

"Benham was greedy to signalize himself. His dense egotism and
self-sufRciency rendered him almost incapable of listening to any sug-
gestions, or even information, that did not originate with himself. The

150 WILLIAM THOMPSCW LUSK

movonent planned hj Gen. Stevens wicii so modi care was rejected off-
hand by Benham.'*

Ben ham conceived a plan of sending a force upon Charleston bj
way of James Island.

Page 3S8. "The plan was entirely practicable, but marred from the
start by Benham's unfortunate talent for blundering. . . . General
Stevens pointed out to him that he was not allowing time enough for
Wri^t to make the movement required of him, and reach James Island
simultaneously with the other division. . . . Benham took this friendly
advice in dudgeon. The orders were not changed, and Wright w^ls just
one week behind the appointed time, as predicted.

"As ioon as he was informed of the intended movement. General
Stevens earnestly urged Benham to inaugurate it by sending him to
break up the raflroad, as he had so long and so well planned, or, i£ not
with the heavy force and thoroughness approved by General Sherman, at
least to permit him to throw his own brigade upon it. . . . Finally he**
(Benham) "would only consent that a demonstration might be made by
the single regiment that was to be left to garrison Beaufort, the 50th
Pennsylvania, stipulating, moreover, that it was to be back the same day
it started on the raid. Accordingly the 50th, under Colonel Christ, sup-
ported by a company of the Highlanders . . . and a section of Rockwell's
battery, advanced on May 29 to Pocotaligo, had a brisk skirmbh with
the enemy, driving him from his position, with a loss of two killed, six
wounded, and two captured, and returned. The Union loss was two
killed and nine wounded. How different this mere demonstration from
the bold and crushing onslaught planned by General Stevens!"

Headquarters 2d Brigade,
Nor. Dist. Dept. of the South,

James Island, June 4th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I must write a few lines to inform you of my continued
welfare, although we are now actually in the field. We
have had much skirmishing the past few days and some
small losses. I got in a bog yesterday, lost my horse,
and had a hot time of it escaping. I will give you the
particulars, when I have time to-be minute. I cannot say
how soon the engagement will become general. We have
a young prisoner with us named Henry Walker, who was a
Lieutenant in Sam Lord's Company. He reports Capt.

WAR LETTERS 151

Lord on the island. Alfred Tyler is also here. Tell
Cousin Louisa, Lord is still by no means rabid in his
secession sentiments. He talks still of some Northern
cousin of hisy older than himself, and with children now
almost old enough for him to marry, but who was an old
sweetheart of his, and for her sake he has a kindly feel-
ing toward all the people of the North. He does not think
he cares to hang all Yankees, but credits them with vir-
tues not generally admitted by devotees of secession.
Lord has lost a cousin lately — a Mrs. Walker, I think
— only a short time married. I do not doubt that all
this will interest Cousin Louisa and Horace.

This letter is short, but I trust satisfactory, as I have
good health and spirits to communicate. I have received
Lilly's letter, and will send no messages to her until I
can answer it at length. May she be very happy though,
should the chances and perils of war forbid our meeting
again. Good-bye, many times good-bye.

Love to all the dear friends who have always been so
kind to me.

Next I shall hope to write from Charleston.

Very afFec'y.,

Will.

Landing on James Island

"Li// of General Isaac I, Stevens ,' Vol, II ^ p. 390.

The troops were landed on James Island, June 3d. "They were put
on shore in small boats, which were insufficient in number, and made
the landing slow and laborious. As soon as a few companies were ashore,
Gen. Stevens advanced with them, drove back the enemy who were in
considerable force, after a sharp action captured three guns which they
were moving back to their inner line, and established his permanent
picket line two and a half miles from the river, running diagonally across
the island from Big Folly Creek to the Stono near Grimbairs."

152 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters 2d Division,

James Islaxd, June latfa, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I saw a few moments ago a mail-bag walking off —

hailed it, and learned that it was going home^ and per-
suaded it to wait a few seconds until I could inform vou
that I was still safe in limb and life, though we have brisk
times in our new position. Genl. Stevens you will notice
now has charge of a division. It is a temporary arrange-
ment arising out of the necessities of the case, but I hope
it may result in his confirmation as Major-General. I
cannot yet say if we are surely to reach Charleston, but
hope so. The fact is, I believe Gen. Rosecrans was
not far wrong when he charged Genl. Benham with
cowardice, drunkenness, and lying. He was Court Mar-
tialed and acquitted, and sent down here to take charge
of our little army. Right or wrong all despise him. No
one trusts him. If we take Charleston it will not be his
fault. This is rather bitter, but it is a shame to put such
men in command.

Please send Horace $9.00 as my subscription for the Post.
I agreed to write an occasional letter for that journal, but
have never done so. I shall feel better when it is paid.

When this matter of taking Charleston shall be either
brilliantly consummated, thanks to Wright and Stevens,
or shall have fizzled out through the folly of Hunter and
Benham, if still safe in life and limb, I trust I shall see
you once more, but Qjuien Sabe, We have fighting every
day now and new victims swell the list of the battlefield.

Give my best love, my darling mother, to my- sisters
and all my dear friends.

Your afFec. and sleepy son.

Will.

€f

WAR LETTERS 153

"Life of General Isaac I. Stevens^' Vol, II, p. 393.

In a letter to his wife, dated June nth. General Stevens gives
expression to his disgust at the incompetents set over him :

'* ' I am not in very good spirits to-night, for the reason that I have two
commanders, Hunter and Benham, who are imbecile, vacillating, and
utterly unfit to command. Why it has been my fortune to be placed in
positions where I was of little account, and to be subjected to such extreme
mortification and annoyance, is beyond my imagining. . . . No proper
use is intended to be made of me, and as everybody is in the humor to
speak highly of my abilities, I shall be held in part responsible for the
follies of others. Benham is an ass — a dreadful man, of no eanhly
use except as a nuisance and obstruction.'"

A few days later he writes;

"We are now attempting an enterprise for which our force is endrely
inadequate. The want of a proper commander is fearful."

[Battle of Secession ville on James Island]

(To John Adams)

Headquarters 2d Division,
James Island, June 17th, 1862.
My dear Uncle:

I write to impose a solemn duty upon you, which in-
volves the lives of thousands of brave men.

Brig.-Gen. Benham is a native of the State of Conn.,
and I understand it is to his native state he owes his
present position. There is only one way for the State
to atone for so fatal a blunder — only one way to wipe
out the obloquy the State deserves at putting such a man
in power — and that is to give its weight to his immedi-
ate removal. Let there be no mercy shown to one who
shows no mercy. He must be crushed at once, or we are
all lost, and even as it is, God only knows whether his
folly may not involve us in destruction before any action
can be taken. I will not enumerate half the examples
of imbecility he has shown, or the wickedness of which

154 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

he has been guilty. The last act is too real. His folly
has culminated in one damning enteq)rise which must
make him eternally infamous.

You will leam from the steamer conveying this, of
the shocking battle of the i6th. There will be a struggle
to suppress the truth, to call fair names, and to shift the
responsibility, but the blood of the murdered men cries
out for vengeance. This is no rhetoric. It is solemn
truth. The ill-fated enterprise to this island has been
characterized by the grossest mismanagement, and the
men — poor dumb creatures — have had to suffer priva-
tion, exposure, and death, where no excuse can be pleaded
in extenuation.

On the night of the 15th, Genl. Benham assembled
his oflScers in council. Generals Wright, Stevens and
Williams were present. He unfolded to them his plan
of taking the Enemy's Battery by storm. It was in vain
that the other oflScers entered their earnest protest against
a needless work of slaughter. It was useless to suggest
that his object could be effected in other ways. His
decree was absolute that the work must be stormed in
front — and for what ? Because visions of another Donel-
son or Newbeme had smothered in his breast every
sentiment of mercy. A success would be but little gain
to the country, but the eclat might make Benham a Major-
General. Men might die to win a needless victory, could
only his foolish vanity be gratified.

His orders were obeyed, and the next morning's work
attests their folly. But even then all might not have
been lost, had not his conduct in the field been marked
by weakness, vacillation, and imbecility.

When the action was over, Genl. Benham tried to say
that it was only a reconnoissance. If this be so, then

WAR LETTERS 155

let us have a General in command, who can reconnoitre
without the sacrifice of an eighth of the force engaged.
700 killed, wounded, and missing! Let the dead who
died nobly have a voice, I say. Let the wounded lying
on their beds of pain, plead their sufferings. Let those
who lie in the prison houses of the enemy cry all shame,
shame to a General who makes such a reconnoissance!
We are growing weary of patriotism. We, who would
have liked to have died to show our love to our country,
begin to sicken at the thought our country loves us so
little, as to leave our fate to the control of a man, already
branded ... It is as true as Holy Writ, that our
bravest men will never fight again with Benham in
command.

Don't be deceived by printed reports of what took
place on the i6th. It was a terribly disastrous affair,
and remember the author of it.

I wish the public safety would allow me to publish
to all what I write you. I do not fear the consequences
if it be shown boldly to Benham himself. But I beg of
you to do what you can in this matter. Press it with
Governor Buckingham. Get Dr. Grant to help you.
Let the influential men help you, and for God's sake act
quicky or the army here is sacrificed, and we will begin to
investigate too late.

I remain,

AfFec'y. but sadly. Your nephew,

W. T. LusK,
Capt. £5f A. D. C.

156 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

[Battle of Secessionville on James Island]

James Island, June 17th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Yesterday was for us a hard, cruel, memorable day,
memorable for its folly and wickedness, memorable for
the wanton sacrifice of human life to gratify the silly
vanity of a man already characterized . . . You have
heard already from rebel sources, I doubt not, of yes-
terday's disaster. I can only say that the plan of the
attack was ordered by Gen. Benham in direct defiance of
his subordinate Generals' opinion. Gen. Wright, Gen.
Stevens and Gen. Williams pronounced on the evening
of the 15th, the project of storming the battery attacked,
as conceived in utter folly. They entered their earnest
protest against the whole aflTair. But Benham was ex-
cited by stories of Donelson and Newberne, and would
not yield. Had the fort been taken, it would have done
us no good, except that we could have spiked the three
guns it contained, but had it been taken, the eclat^ per-
haps, would have made Benham a Major-General, and
for this contemptible motive between six and seven hun-
dred men strewed the field, dead and dying. I do not
know how I escaped unhurt — it must have been your
prayers, mother — but this I know, that sixteen boys of
my company were killed or wounded, fighting nobly,
fighting like heroes on the parapet of the work, but fight-
ing vainly to give a little reputation to . . . Mother,
when I see their pale fingers stiffened, their poor speech-
less wounds bleeding, do you wonder at the indignation
that refuses to be smothered — that my blood should
flow feverishly to think that the country which our sol-

WAR LETTERS 157

diers love so well, loves them so little as to leave them
to the mercies of a man of ... I can give you no
particulars of the affair now — you will read of it in the
papers. I must busy myself to-day to assist in getting the
requisite information for Gen. Stevens's report.

I do not know whether I can return in July. It hardly
looks as though I should be able to leave before Charleston
is taken.

A thousand kisses for my dear sisters. May Lilly's
life be very happy. Ever so much love for the children.
Bless them.

Tell Walter that when galloping across the field yes-
terday I saw a sword and scabbard lying in my path. I
looked instinctively at my side, and found, when or how
I cannot say, my sword-belt had been torn or cut, and the
sword was gone, but you can understand the pleasure I
experienced at discovering the sword in my path was
Walter's gift, which I strangely recovered.

Good-bye. I have much to do to-day. Capt. Rock-
well's Battery did excellent service yesterday.

Lovingly and thankfully.

Your son,

Will.

Battle of Secessionville on James Island,

June i6th, 1862.

Life of General Isaac /. Stevens/' Vol, 11, p. 399.

"Benham . . . had received positive orders from Hunter not to
fight a battle . . . General Hunter returned to Hilton Head for a short
visit. In his absence, in an evil hour. General Benham took it into his
head that he might take the Secessionville fort."

Page 412. "The confederate loss all told was 204. The Union loss
aggregated 685, of which Stevens's column suffered 529; Williams's
Brigade, 152; Wright's Division, 4. . . . The Highlanders lost no out

158 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

of 484, notwithstanding which they withdrew in good order, and brought
off 60 of their wounded, some of their dead, and their two prisoners."

Page 414. "The chief reason for the failure was the deadly fire from
the woods and cover behind the fort."

Page 415. "For his wrong-headed and disobedient conduct Benham
was placed under arrest by General Hunter and sent North."

"Rebellion Record" Vol, V^ p, 21 1 of Documents.
General Stevens*! Report.

"The strictest orders were given to maintain the most perfect silence,
for each regiment to follow the preceding regiment within supporting
distance, and to rely exclusively upon the bayonet in encountering the
enemy, resorting to firing only in case of manifest necessity.

"At the first break of day, or about 4 o'clock, it being a dark and
cloudy morning, the entire command was in motion. . . . My Aide-de-
Camp, Captain William T. Lusk, guided the 28th Massachusetts. The
command pushed forward, surprised and captured the pickets at the house
occupied by them, entered the fields beyond, and as they came within the
effective range of grape and musketry, pushed forward into line of battle.
. . . The Highlanders, led by Morrison, seeing the hot fire to which
the Eighth Michigan was exposed, pushed forward at the double-quick
. . . gained the parapet . . . and shot down the enemy whilst serving
their guns. . . . The front on which the attack was made was narrow,
not over 200 yards in extent, stretching from the marsh on the one side
to the marsh on the other. It was at the saddle of the peninsula, the
ground narrowing very suddenly at this point from our advance. . . .
The whole space at the saddle was occupied by the enemy's work, im-
practicable abatis on either hand, with carefully prepared trous de loup,
and in front a ditch seven feet deep, with a parapet of hard-packed earth,
having a relief of some nine feet above the general surface of the ground.
On the fort were mounted six guns, covering the field of our approach.
The whole interior of the work was swept by fire from the rifle-pits and
defences in the rear. ... It will thus be seen that the whole front was
scarcely enough to deploy a single regiment. ... It was during a period
of less than one-half hour — from five to half past five o'clock — that
thegreater portion of the casualties occurred. . , . The remainder of the
regiments were gallantly lead . . . that of the Highlanders by their
gallant Lieut.-Col. Morrison, who, wounded in the head on the parapet,
seemed only the more eager to lead on to the assault. . . . Not a fugitive
did I observe passing from the battlefield. . . . My troops were then
withdrawn in good order. . . .

"To my own staff I am under the greatest obligations. . . . My
assistant Adj.-Gen., Capt. Hazard Stevens, was in all parts of the field
carrying my orders and bringing me information, to the great exposure
of his life, as was Aide, Capt. William T. Lusk. . . . Capt. A. P.

WAR LETTERS 159

Rockwell, of the Connecticut battery, deserves particular mention for
his gallant bearing and skilful handling of his guns on that field. I
desire, in this official report, to place on record my objections to these
early morning attacks. They are justifiable, in my humble judgment,
only under extraordinary circumstances. The troops get necessarily
but little rest the night before, and they go to the work fatigued and ex-
cited. ... I must confess that the coolness and mobility of all the troops
engaged on the i6th surprised me. And I cannot but believe, had proper
use been made of the artillery, guns from the navy, and our own batteries,
fixed and field; had the position been gradually approached and carefully
examined, and the attack made much later in the day, when our bat-
teries had had their full effect, all which, you will recollect, were strongly
urged by me upon Gen. Benham, the evening of the conference, the
result might have been very different."

The following is taken from a description of the Battle of James
Island in a New Tork paper:

"Troops never fought with more steadiness and determined bravery
than our men did yesterday. Their pluck and obedience to orders are
worthy of the highest commendation. Captain Lusk, Aide-de-Camp
to General Stevens, led and placed in position the Twenty-eighth Massa-
chusetts at the edge of the abatis, and had a horse shot under him."

Editorial in "Norwich Bulletin" of June 30, 1862.

" It is cheering to know that under the terrible fire of the rebel bat-
tery our own Conn. 7th, under the gallant Col. Hawley, stood bravely up
to their work, and never faltered or wavered, while our Conn. Light
Battery under Capt. Rockwell performed all the work assigned to them
with the greatest skill and bravery. The Conn. 7th, Michigan 8th,
and New York 79th were in advance, and did the heaviest of the fight-
ing and suffered the heaviest losses. Conn, has no reason to be ashamed
or blush for the conduct of her sons before Charleston."

"Norwich Bulletin;' July 1st, 1862.

" Capt. Wm. T. Lusk, formerly of this city, a grandson of the late
Richard Adams, Esq., was, in the late battle on James Island, acting
Aide-de-camp to Gen. Stevens. He is mentioned in the reports for gal-
lant and meritorious conduct on the field. Letters from Hilton Head
received since the battle, speak in the most glowing terms of his bravery
and disregard of danger. One letter says *He seemed omnipresent.*
He was Lieut, in the N. Y. 79th until promoted to a position on Gen.
Stevens's staff, and was with that Regiment at the Battle of Bull Run
where he distinguished himself also by bravery and coolness^ and received
honorable mention from his superior officers."

i6t 'g^::*:^ tbotcs.j^ i:

nr-*i>i:rAi:j f t-? :s i-^msji*^

II - - ^ • ; *

a is ro take ^iar* i= Tih". Kr^ I -wrac rcf^ td
be tifccre, t-^q can w«il cikiae. tsc

to fsTCT xsT leano^ =t post, wr^ i— c:3£r n Ke2ir::«t

I fciC I3T hopes, wni: aS in mr^ctl here r:rr r^Tves scan
bir SJn^.aTl, and ret there are scot who hare ace been
half the time in the Kxrice I ba^e, who have Tissaed their
homes once, r«ice, and are aow gccng b^cse asazn. That
it a Kftt of luck some pecple have, a sor: ct IiKk vbich
does not favor n>e. Yet tbere viB be a rrry I ssippose
when it will be pleasant to rcmesiber I was ne-rer absent
from dut}% though I cannoc see that smctness in such
respects is held in anj spedal hooor now. You must
tell Lilly I win think of her with all a brocher^s feeling
of love, when the dav comes. I will see that I am properir
represented at the table which bears her marriage gifts.
I will dream of the orange flowers that bind the brow
of the bride and will wish them — the bride and gnx>m —
God speed. I will wish them a brave career, and wiD
rejoice that xhcy do not fear to face the future tc^ether.
I have no patience with that excessive prudence which
would barter the blesangs of youth and happiness and
love, for some silly hope of wealth, and the happiness
wealth can give to hearts seared with selfishness and
avarice. If misfortunes come, will they be hearier when
borne together? And are men less likely to prosper
when they have something more than themselves for
which to toil ? And when one man and one woman are

WAR LETTERS i6i

brave enough to show they have no fear, but are willing
to trust, "Bravo!" say I, "and God grant them all that
they deserve."

My coat and pants have come. All very well, only the
coat is about six inches bigger round the waist than I
am. There are tailors around the camp though who can
remedy so excellent though rather ungraceful a fault.

I have had a letter from Hall lately, who seems quite
happy. On this island, dear Mother, there are secret,
hidden, insidious foes which undermine one's happiness.
We are truly in the midst of enemies which give no quar-
ter, whose ruthless tastes blood alone can satisfy. Now
I am not alluding to the human "Seceshers" — they
are only mortal — but the insect kingdom. What a
taste they have for Union blood ! Mosquito bars are use-
less. They form breaches, and pierce every obstruc-
tion imagination can invent, when they once scent Union
blood. Flies march over one in heavy Battalions —
whole pounds of them at a time. Mosquitoes go skir-
mishing about and strike at every exposed position. Sand-
flies make the blood flow copiously. Fleas form in
Squadrons which go careering over one's body leaving all
havoc behind. Ticks get into one's hair. Ants creep
into one's stockings. Grasshoppers jump over one's
face. You turn and brush your face. You writhe in
agony. You quit a couch peopled with living horrors.
You cry for mercy! — In vain. These critters are
"Secesh." They give no quarter. You rush wildly
about. You look for the last ditch. Until utterly ex-
hausted you sink into unrefreshing sleep. Then begins
a wild scene of pillage. Millions of thirsty beings, long-
ing for blood, drink out one's life gluttonously. Enough!
Why harass you with these dismal stories ?

i62 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Benham has been sent home under arrest. The last
thing he did on leaving Hilton Head was to lie. He
doubtless has not discontinued the practice since.

My love to Mary and Lilly, the little boys (how I would
like to see them), and all my dear friends. I have been
several times with a flag of truce to the enemy, concern-
ing our prisoners in their hands. In all these interviews
I heard of Sam Lord. I wished to see him very much,
but permission was not granted. I was allowed, however,
to write him concerning Miss Alice Mintzing's welfare.
The Colonel of his Battalion — Lamar — was badly
wounded in our late engagement. Genl. Stevens has
mentioned me handsomely in his official report of the
fight, but he has done the same to all his staff.

Very aflPec'y. your Son,

Will.

War of the Rebellion^' Series I, Fol. XI Fy p. 358.

Hdqrs. U. S. Forces North. Dist. Dept. South,

James Island, S. C, June 20, 1862.

General Isaac I. Steven s^

Commanding Second Division, James Island, S. C.

General: I have received yours of this date, stating that no arrange-
ment has been made with the Confederate officers regarding cessation
of operations on account of flags of truce, and that you had sent Cap-
tain Lusk for instructions as to further proceedings.

I have seen Captain Lusk, and from what I leam from him and from
the letter of General W. D. Smith, which Captain Lusk delivered to
me, I do not see that any further action is necessary, unless it may be
in regard to exchange of prisoners. I do not know what instructions
you may have had from General Benham on this point, but you are no
doubt aware that exchanges are prohibited by War Department order
except under instructions from the Secretary of War.

Please send me copies of any instructions in this matter you may
have received from General Benham, or if they were verbal, then of your
letters on the subject.

WAR LETTERS 163

I send you copy of a letter from General Hunter to General Benham,
directing the latter to turn over the command to me and return to Hilton
Head.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. G. Wright,
Brigadier-General^ Commanding.

Headquarters,
U. S. Forces en Route to F. Monroe,

July 1 2th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

When I wrote you a few hurried, peevish lines, by the
last steamer, I then had little thought we were so soon
to be summoned to a different sphere of action, and that,
had my longing to see you at home been really gratified,
I would have returned only to be mortified by being
absent from duty at a time when every man should be
standing steadily at his post. So you see my lucky star
is always dominant. Just when I thought my fate
intolerable, I was merely being providentially detained
that nothing might prevent me from the fulfilment of my
duty. Ten Regiments from the Department of the South,
six under Stevens and four under Wright, are ordered to
Fortress Monroe, we know not yet whether to reinforce
Pope or McClellan. Few of us regret to leave this unholy
soil and wretchedly mismanaged department, where we
have been sure only of mismanagement and disgrace. I
am sorry Rockwell could not go with us. He would
have liked to have done so, but a demand was made
for infantry alone.

It is a good thing for me that I have escaped from the
Southern climate, having been long enough exposed to
feel as though every fibre of my body was involved in a
malarious atmosphere. A change of climate and a per-

i64 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

sistent employment of quinine, the Doctor says, are all I
need, though were times less stirring, he would probably
prescribe in addirion a few days at home. I shall prob-
ably lose the letters you will write relative to Lilly's
wedding, but you must not forget to let me know all
about it in whatever new sphere I may be placed. I
suppose you had better address the first letter to the care
of General Stevens near Fortress Monroe, and so soon
as may be, I will let you know a more definite address.

I enclose the J25.00 for Lilly's bridal gift. I could not
enclose it in my last, as it was then some time since I
had seen the paymaster. I hope I may have an oppor-
tunity to see you all this summer, but it looks dubious.
Next to Lilly's wedding, I was very anxious to be present
at my class meeting, which takes place the end of this
month. Hall will be there and many old friends. It
will seem strange enough to get among civilized people
once more, and there will be so many changes too. Walter,
an aged paterfamilias. Lilly and Hall, both old domestic
bodies. Hunt in a new house. Horace alone will be
left unchanged.

Are any of my friends desirous of making a profitable
speculation ? A sure and magnificent fortune may be
realized from the sale of ginger-pop at Hilton Head.
Blind Dennis is doing a flourishing business in the lemon-
ade line, and will certainly before long be putting up a
superb house on Washington Street, in Burdick's best
style. The ginger-pop trade, I predict, will be one of
the most remunerative branches of business ever opened
at Port Royal. It even bids fair to prove as handsome
a thing as negro-philanthropy, which in shrewd hands
has proved a most capital paying business, and then the
sale of ginger-pop is eminently more respectable. At

WAR LETTERS 165

any rate it is a pet idea of mine, and I would like to see
the experiment tried.

Well, good-bye. I hope to hear good news on arriving
at Fortress Monroe." Love to all.

14th. Still on shipboard but near Fortress Monroe.

Lilly's wedding day. Miles of friends — little chil-
dren's voices — church bells — sweet thoughts. I shall
feast to-day for all that though, on hard tack and salt horse
with a quinine pill by way of dessert. So goes the world.

Good-bye, my dear Mother. Blessings on you all.

Lovingly,

Will.

"Life of General Isaac /. Stevens** Vol, II ^ p. 421.

"On Benham's arrest General Wright succeeded to the command
as next in rank, and field-works to protect the camps were commenced,
and considerable work done upon them, when General Hunter wisely
decided to withdraw from James Island."

Page 423. General Stevens and his command "reached Foitress
Monroe on the i6th" (July), "debarked at Newport News, and went
into camp. . . . General Bumside had just arrived here with 8,cxx>
troops from North Carolina, and the ninth corps was organized from the
two commands, . . . General Bumside commanding the corps."

"The transfer to Virginia was the very movement that General
Stevens recommended to the President in a letter dated July 8th,
in which he wrote: '. . . The crisis of the war is in Virginia. There
throw your troops. There signally defeat and destroy the enemy. You
strike Charleston and Savannah by striking Richmond. . . .'"

Page 422. Stevens wrote to his wife July 14th: "McQellan has
unquestionably met with a very serious check. . . . The army should
never have been divided, and the route should not have been by Fortress
Monroe. ... I am afraid the Confederates will by a rapid counter-
march fall upon Pope with overwhelming force. I think, so far as I
can gather the facts, that Pope should be largely reinforced, and that he
should wage the campaign. It has also occurred to me that the wisest
plan would be to withdraw McClellan from his present position, send
him to the Potomac, unite him with Pope, and commence anew."

Page 424. "The very movements he mentioned as best in his letter
to his wife, were precisely the ones adopted immediately afterwards,
viz: the withdrawal of McClellan and reinforcement of Pope."

i66 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters Stevens's Div.

Burnside's Expedition,

Newport News, Va.

July 20th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I rode over yesterday to Fortress Monroe in my old
clothes. Maj. Elliott, now Act'g. Inspector-General of
our Division, and others, were of the party. On reaching
the Fortress we found a man who for the sum of fifty
cents, gives you half a dollar's worth of likeness — a
"Cheap John" style of man — and him we concluded to
patronize. I send you the result. If it has defects, I
have no doubt there is fifty cents worth of truth in it.
The moustache and imperial in the picture I consider
an improvement of the original, the most considerate of
mirrors being unable to conceal the fact that these articles
of beauty are in reality a bright plinthic red. Next
week the "Cheap John" style of man says he will have
an apparatus for taking carte-de^isite. If so, I will put
on my best clothes, get taken, and forward myself to
you in a more presentable manner.

I have received a couple of letters from you, one of the
5th, the other of the 9th, both of which took first a trip
to Port Royal. I hope my telegraphic despatch may pre-
vent any more from traveling so far in vain.

I am much obliged to my friends for their kind thoughts
and words regarding me. I'll tell you what, I think I
ought to have a place in the Field of one of the new Conn.
Regiments, not that I feel myself peculiarly competent
for such a position, but because I think I'll do better
than those they are likely to select. I have been the long-
est in the service of any of my friends. I have been oftener
in battle and been subject to more vicissitudes, yet they

•• •

c
*

* « •

WAR LETTERS 167

all outrank me. Matteson and Doster are Majors. Ely
commands a Regiment. Harland commands a Brigade.
Charies Dodge has a Regiment. Rockwell commands a
battery, and so on all through the list. Somehow or
other IVe not been so accustomed to bringing up at the
tail end as to fancy it now. I am delighted, to be sure,
at the success of friends. I feel no envy, but would like
to be a little more upon an equality with them. To be
sure, by crawling along slowly, I have risen from the
Junior Lieut, of my Regiment to rank as the 2d Cap-
tain — that is to say, from the 30th position in the line
to the 2d. Still I would like a Major's position in one
of the new Regiments. However, where I now am, I
have responsibility enough, I suppose.

Benham being disposed of, my letter to Uncle John
has proved uncalled for, but I was very indignant at the
time of writing it. . . . You may have read something
of his letter relative to Gen. Stevens. It is unnecessary
to characterize the whole as a .malicious falsehood. I
will only mendon one thing. Benham quotes a let-
ter from Stevens to prove that he (Stevens) approved
the reconnoissance Benham projected. I happen to
know personally the note quoted was written by
Stevens with regard to a reconnoissance proposed by
Stevens himself. This plan of a reconnoissance was
agreed to by the Generals in Council in opposition to the
plan proposed by Benham. Benham at first consented
to this, but finally ordered the attack of the i6th to be
made as he had originally proposed. The letter then of
Gen. Stevens written regarding the Stevens plan of recon-
noissance, is used by Benham to show that the Benham
plan met with Stevens* approbation.

Benham had an unaccountable aversion to Rockwell.

i68 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

When Rockwell was sick, and stopping on board the
steamer with the amiable General, Benham growled so
much about it, that Gen. Stevens was obliged to advise
(privately) Capt. Rockwell to return to his company,
though he was still pale, weak and unable to do duty.
After the battle of the i6th, Benham wrote his report
complimenting Capt. Hamilton of the Regular Artillery,
omitting all mention of Rockwell, though Alfred's Bat-
tery had been the most exposed, and had done nobly.
This made Gen. Stevens very angry, so he informed Ben-
ham that he must alter his report, that his Command
should have justice, that Rockwell had acquitted himself
as well as Hamilton, and that he should have the credit
he was entitled to. (Somewhat mixed way of expression,
but comprehensible I believe). Gen. Stevens being an
unpleasant man to deal with when angry, Benham got
frightened and altered his report.

Since commencing this letter I have received one from
you regarding dear Lilly's wedding. I could not be there,
but you all know how I feel. You speak of J^ioo.oo
having been spent on Lilly's wardrobe by you in my
behalf. I only mention it to have it fully understood
that that money must never be returned to me.

Tell Mrs. Tyler, information I afterward received at
James Island, renders the presence of Alfred there, to
say the least, very doubtful.

I am tired, so I will close. Love to all.

AfFec'y. your son,

W. T. LusK.

WAR LETTERS 169

Headquarters Stevens* Div.

July 25th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Your letter has just reached me. I have only to say
that It has long been my earnest desire to serve with the
troops of my native state where there are so many who
feel an interest in me.* I have many times sought an
opportunity to change to the troops from Old Connecticut,
but the mutiny in the Highland Regiment, then being
sent to S. Carolina, and other things have prevented.
Should I be selected for the position of Major in one of
the new Regiments, I think I can bring the necessary
testimonials to my fitness. As a staff officer I have
been too long employed in teaching field officers their
duty, to feel many scruples about accepting the position,
if offered me. I will see Gen. Stevens, and ask his advice.
The mail is about closing now, so good-bye.

Lovingly,

Will.

Headouarters Stevens' Div.

Burnside's Expedition,

July 28th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I have received no further news from you since your
last short communication hurriedly informing me of an
improvement in my prospects. I only hope your intima-
tion may be true. I asked Genl. Stevens* advice. He
told me "unequivocally to accept.'* I trust the appoint-
ment may soon be made, as I must have some little change
before I return to life in unhealthy swamps. My experi-
ence in South Carolina has not specially fitted me to

170 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

resist climatic influences here. It will be of incalculable
advantage to me if I can get North three or four weeks
this summer. I received a letter from Walter yesterday.
He seems to feel the present critical condition of our coun-
try very much. Ned Harland is a near neighbor of mine
now. Once I have met Charley Breed. I saw Henry
King at Fortress Monroe a few days ago. We met and
parted as though we were in the habit of seeing one an-
other every day. Halleck was here day before yesterday.
I was greatly disappointed in his appearance. Small and
farmer-like, he gives a rude shock to one's preconceived
notions of a great soldier. He is a striking contrast to
Genl. Burnside who is rather a Chevalier Bayard in ap-
pearance and accomplishments. One has opportunities
on the staff of seeing a great deal that is interesting, still
staff officers are simply satellites of the General — if any-
thing else, they are no use.

I see good accounts of recruiting in Connecticut. I
trust this is so, for we must have those troops drilled and
ready for the field as early as possible. It is not pleasant
to think of dragging through another winter in quarters.
These troops in Burnside's corps are really splendid, de-
serving indeed the name of soldiers. The Army looks
very different now from what it did last fall, previous to
our expedition down South.

I have really nothing to write, except that I am impa-
tient to see you all, and that I remain as ever, with love
to sisters and dear ones at home.

Affectionately,

Will.

WAR LETTERS 171

Headquarters Stevens' Div.

9th Army Corps, Newport News,

Aug. 2d, 1862.

My dear Mother:

As General Burnside's Corps is being transferred to
other scenes, and as our turn to go on shipboard will
come to-morrow, I take this opportunity to inform
you of our intended change of Camp. I cannot tell you
where I am going. I hope and think we are to join
Pope. So soon as we shall have arrived at our desti-
nation, I will let you know. I fear a letter or two may
be lost, but hope not.

The Governor of Connecticut made a most excellent
appointment in Wm. Ely to the Colonelcy of the i8th
R. C. V. Cool, decided, brave, enterprising and experi-
enced, he will fill that position with honor to himself and

to his native State. will find he has made

a great mistake if he has entered this new Regiment
with a view to playing a high-handed insubordinate part.
There are ways of bringing fractious officers and soldiers
to a sense of duty now, that were quite unknown at the
time of the three months' service. The news in the papers
of yesterday relative to drafting if the contingents are not
filled by Aug. 15th, if true, must occasion quite a panic
in the North. I am glad of it. This bounty business
is simply disgusting. If there is so much spare money
to be thrown away, it is better that it should be given to
those who have borne the burden and heat of the day,
than to those who enter at the eleventh hour. It speaks
badly for the patriotism of the North, if the bribes must
be increased now to induce men to serve their country
in the hour of its extremest peril. I say it is a poor sys-

172 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

tern, and believe in the draft — the rich to serve with
their wealth, the poor with their muscle, and the patriotic
of both classes the best way that lies in their power. By-
the-way, I enclose for your album a capital likeness of
Col. Farnsworth, of the 79th Regt.

Aug. 3d, early in the morning. I trust by the time this
reaches you, you may ascertain through the papers our des-
tination. I am quite in the fog, but cling to the fancy that
it must be to join Pope. I am much obliged to my friends
who are urging my appointment in the new Regiment.
Of course for the present I can only hold my tongue.
You cannot long to see me more than I do you. I cer-
tainly would give six months* pay for one month's rest.
It is a good deal wearing to be kept steadily at the wheel
which seems never to stop turning. However, I shall
hope for a few days to recruit myself, if appointed to the
1 8th. It is really remarkable though, how my health
continues. I am beginning to have strong faith in my
vitality. If there be no other chance, why, I shall have
to wait until next winter. I think had I received a short
leave of absence this summer my usefulness would have
been much increased. I could not have it, though many
have been home ten months out of the twelve. Of
course I shall feel the prouder for it in the end. Good-
bye. A thousand kisses judiciously dispensed among
dear ones at home.

AfFec'y.,

Will.

WAR LETTERS 173

Headquarters Stevens' Div.

9th Army Corps,
Steamer "Elm City," Aug. 5th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

Here we are at length at Acquia Creek. Our desti-
nation is Fredericksburg. Please direct your letters to
that place in future. We are exchanging at every move
disease for health. Our present position is one of the
healthiest in Virginia, so dear Mother, give yourself no
alarm.

I received two letters from you previous to leaving
Newport News, one written after Lilly's marriage, which
had travelled down to Hilton Head, and the other a letter
containing an account of the kindly manner all speak of
me at home. For the latter I am grateful indeed, though
I feel a little puzzled at its extent. The first day I landed
at Newport News, as I was riding toward our camping
ground, a nice, handsome-looking young fellow stopped
me, saying, "How are you Will?" I stopped, examined
his face, talked, and tried to discover who my friend
was. After running through the probabilities, I said,
"Why this is Charley Breed!" "Yes," said he, "you
are a good deal changed, but I recognized you at once."
So we parted, promising soon to meet again. But
duty intervened, and the other day I read that he was
dead.

I received likewise a letter from Edward Stedman, via
Hilton Head, with kind words of encouragement for me.

I have nothing more to write. Don't mind .

Instead of "Speed the Plow," "Speed the Bayonet," and
all will be right again. Vive la guerre and down with the
rebellion. If the South wishes to secede, they must wait

174 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

until they ask it of the North, not with threats, but in
fear and trembling.

Good-bye, dear mother.

Truly your aflPec.

Will,
Capt. £5f A. A. A. G.

which means that the Assistant Adjutant-General is sick
and has gone home, and that I am acting in his place
until his leave of absence expires.

"Life of General Isaac I. Stevens/' VoL II, p. 425.

"The military authorities having decided to throw Bumside's troops
up the Rappahannock to reinforce Pope, Gen. Stevens sailed from
Newport News on Aug. 4thy debarked at Acquia Creek on the 6th, and
reached Fredericksburg the same day."

Norwich, August i6th, 1862.
My own dear Son:

After having received intimations from various sources
of the almost certainty of your appointment to the Lt.-
Colonelcy of the Eighteenth, you may imagine the crush-
ing disappointment produced by the order from the War
Department forbidding the removal of all officers from
their present positions. Col. Ely is very anxious to have
you with him. Ned Tyler told me that Ely said to the
Gov.: "If you will appoint the officers I wish, I will be
responsible for the reputation of the Regiment. If how-
ever you put in mere politicians I cannot." I feel the
sickness of "hope deferred" this morning, and my heart
is very heavy. Well, I cannot resist all influences, and
though I have brave hours, I have times of bitter struggling.
Well, this is useless as well as discouraging to you. Par-

WAR LETTERS 175

don me, my son. I shall soon recover from this unworthy
despondency. I am much gratified by the interest shown
by your friends here. Mr. Johnson (Charlie's father)
told Lillie the pressure upon the Gov. from Norwich
people on your behalf had been very great, the matter was
now decided, and you would probably be with us next
week, still he said, we must not be too sure, for "there's
many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip." For
Gen. Tyler's affectionate interest, I must always be very
grateful. He has returned to Connecticut to take charge
of the Regiments now preparing in the State. He has
taken great interest in you always. Perhaps I am un-
reasonable in my disappointment at not seeing you, but
I do feel you might have been appointed earlier, before
these orders were issued.

We are all well, and anxiously watching for news from
Burnside. I have sent to New- York for a flag to wave
from our old home, the home of your childhood. I intended
it to greet your return. I shall place it over the front
entrance so that all who pass in or out, must walk under
its folds. Hunt just passing the door called out, "give
my love to Will." All are interested and excited about
the new Regiments. The Twenty-second goes into
camp in Norwich, on the Fair Grounds. Eating, drink-
ing, or sleeping, our thoughts are on the war and the
precious lives at stake, as well as the great issue involved.
Bromley is Captain of a Company, and young Merwin
his first Lieutenant. Morton Hale is a Lieutenant in
one of the companies; he is to be married next Tuesday
to Emily Huntington. Her sister Hannah was engaged to
Charlie Breed.

Good-bye my own dear, dear son. My whole trust is
placed in the mercy of God to whom I earnestly pray

176 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

for your deliverance from all evil. God bless you wherever
you may be is the cry of my anxious, loving heart.

Always lovingly.

Mother.

New London has furnished one private and an Adjutant
— wants a field oflBcer besides. They have sent four hun-
dred men to the Fourteenth. I have just heard that
perhaps the staff oflBcers are not included in this order
from the Department. Gen. Tyler will be at home this
evening when I shall learn.

Headquarters Stevens's Div.
9th Army Corps,

Fredericksburg, Aug. 19th, 1862.

My dearest Mother:

Here we are, occupying a fine house in the pleasant
town of Fredericksburg, with the thermometer standing
ever so high in the shade among a people whose glances
are at zero in the hottest of this summer sunshine. I
have seen nothing like this before, except in the single
City of Venice where the feeling is so intense toward the
German soldiery. Yet it is not strange when one thinks
that there are few left beside women. The men are away
fighting in the pride of sons of the Old Dominion, and
many a family here is clad in sombre colors, for the loss
of dear friends who have lost their lives at the hands of
'* Yankee Invaders." So a military occupation of a
disaffected town is less pleasant than the tented field.
We will not remain a great while though. We are now
on the eve of great events. God only knows what the

WAR LETTERS 177

morrow has in store for us. I cannot say where I may be
when I next write, but continue to direct to Stevens'
Division, 9th Army Corps, and the letters will reach me.
I am sick at heart in some respects, and utterly weary of
the miserable cant and whining of our Northern press.
It is time that we assumed a manlier tone. We have
heard enough of rebel atrocities, masked batteries, guerillas,
and other lying humbugs. Pope's orders are the last
unabatable nuisance. Are we alone virtuous, and the
enemy demons ? Let us look at these highly praised orders
of Pope which are to strike a death-blow at rebellion.
We are henceforth to live on the enemy's country, and
to this as a stem military necessity, I say "Amen I" But
mother, do you know what the much applauded practice
means ? It means to take the little ewe-lamb — the only
property of the laborer — it means to force from the widow
the cow which is her only source of sustenance. It means
that the poor, and the weak, and the helpless are at the
mercy of the strong — and God help them! This I say

is bad enough, but when papers like the , with

devilish pertinacity, talk of ill-judged lenity to rebels
and call for vigorous measures, it makes every feeling
revolt. We want vigorous measures badly enough to
save us in these evil times, but not the measures the

urges. The last thing needed in our army is

the relaxing of the bands of discipline. And yet our Press
is urging our soldiers everywhere to help themselves to
rebel property, and instead of making our army a glorious
means of maintaining liberty, would dissolve it into a
wretched band of marauders, murderers, and thieves.
If property is to be taken, let the Government take it.
That is well — but I would have the man shot who would
without authority steal so much as a fence rail, though

^zj^j:ji3j n^rjiEzGic ults

i#« ftmU^'rri i«w <»pt!i "wcr -^SBsr -^mcrmsc 'Porrp^,

3r 11M1 fin .^ tfec>

.irfjki

^iuiwjLHi. .iuc rzcL IiJ&Z.
/^/ -y/f-f i>-^ .J'J^:

V=:*rHf»i^ 3SfiH ^-JfliBl!^^5 ranmis luni -im juuv in:
^'^^*^*^ ri*?i#t#?r K v?r^ jiU2i^ -XMar I -toL our
«f^yv* •<i*»m, -Mir -v^r -^smsaiv imri x -ytisnie
/M^^* -W Mt The cArh rwik its iraacctue Teseaiiasr.
^>vt P^^ ( ^^m rttHy. ^ anr sc 2iL j^saeiL . . .
^1*^ r/ri^ii^>th#S5eIa^(r«5aiiie t -nut bar I E^peaBed
^^f^^A'^f ^p^ Kdviii^ i^rrrrwi wa iv^ac I hait seacd of

ifi^ l^-M 76f> (M^ TftSii f^ him I ^an ^ trirmfe ae hifl of
M^<T4;^v^H'#n^ a^n^ my huitBanci «m cfiar Ee w5I never agaiii

^/»^,4<^ jw^ ^i<R^i*r f/> riw: GovemrjT."' Oir wfaoJe stto^

^fs^ffy k ^r ^Wiff^ hy army mo^etnenta I fsa^e scarcchr
Hfrf^yMv^ Uf f^ yrm. . . . Ch^aBe jobosati, Mn. T.
f^fU ft^4 U ^^y indipt^m in yoar behalf, as weO as
N^4 If 9\ff ^hA ^^tfA fAheT%. , . , It is ncm eleven
4/^yi^ ¥fft^ t h^^f4 (fffftt yffH, my hean beats anxiously,
h^fi^Mt^Ay. i tM (m\y f^uy Uft your uStty and trust in

WAR LETTERS 179

the mercy of God. . . . My heart cries out in constant
prayers for your safety. Oh! God be with him every-
where, defend his body and his soul.

Always very lovingly,

Mother.

Aug. 26th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I have an opportunity to smuggle a letter through the
lines letting you know that I am well, and, in the stoppage
of all communication with the army, assuring you that
you must comfort your heart with the thought that "no
news is good news." If any accident should befall me,
rest assured you will hear of it soon enough. If you hear
nothing, then, dear Mother, rest content. I am still
performing the duties of an Asst. Adj.-Gen. I saw to-
day in the papers the arrival of the i8th Regt. C. V. in
Baltimore, and saw too that my name was not printed
in the Field. Never mind, these are too important times
for the indulgence of mere petty ambitions. I am con-
tent to serve my country in my present position, and have
all the responsibility I desire on my shoulders. We are
very busy. I must not tell how we are employed.

Write me as usual. Occasionally your letters will
reach me when an opportunity occurs, remaining in the
meantime at Washington. Grood-bye. Many, many
kisses, and a deal of affection for you all at home. God
bless you all. If I could only see the children, my sisters
and my own dear mother I Still I am getting along swim-
mingly. Love to all.

Yours affec'y->

Will.

i8o WlLUA^f THO^nSOX LUSK

[Battle or Chaxtilly]

Headqcakteks 1st Dnr. Reno's Commaxd,

Near AhEXASDmiA^ Sqic 4tfa, 1862.
Dear Mother:

Once more, after a lapse of nearhr five weeks, am I
able to write jou again. During this time we have been
cot oflF from all communication with our friends, we have
been busiljr employed, and have suffered much. I have
lost mj good friend, GenL Stevens, who has been sacri-
ficed bj little men who can poorly fill his place. When-
ever anything desperate was to be performed, Stevens
and Kearny were always sheeted, with this difference
though, that Stevens rarely was credited with what he
did, while Kearny's praises were properly published.
On Monday's fight, the General's son and I were walking
together in the rear of the 79th Regiment, when Capt.
Stevens was wounded. Finding that TOung Stevens was
able to move off* without assistance, I continued to follow
the Regiment. Soon the General came up on foot. " Have
you seen your son ?" I asked him. ''Yes," said he,
'^ I know he is wounded," and then added, *' Capt. Lusk, I
wish you would pass to the left of the line, and pu^ the
men forward in that direction." I did as I was ordered,
and on my return, found the General had been killed, and
the troops badly slaughtered. The General you have
read was shot while holding the flag of the 79th Regiment
in his hand.

There were five shot holding the same flag in about
twenty minutes time. I found the sixth man standing
almost alone at the edge of some woods still clinging
hopelessly to the colors. I drew him back to the crest
of a bin a couple of hundred yards back and gathered
a few of the 79th about it. Kearny then came riding

WAR LETTERS i8i

up, and asked the name of the little band. On being told,
he said, "Scotchmen, you must follow me/' They told
him they had not a round of ammunition left. " Well,"
said he then, "stand where you are and it may be you
will be able to assist my men with the bayonet." The
soldierly form moved on, and it too soon was dust. Stevens
was a great man and Kearny a courageous soldier. It
is not every man of whom this last can be said, though
the country may have placed him high in power. I sup-
pose I must not tell all I have seen in the last few days
fighting, but I have seen enough to make it no matter of
wonder at the extent of our disaster. I have read little
truth as yet in the papers, though I see the people are
beginning to feel the truth. So long as the interests of
our country are entrusted to a lying braggart like Pope,
or a foolish little Dutchman like Sigel, we have little
reason to hope successfully to compete with an army led
by Lee, Johnston and old "Stonewall" Jackson. Carl
Schurz, our lately returned minister to Spain, I found
blundering horribly. Schenck was a laughable instance
of incompetence, and so with others. You must be care-
ful to whom you repeat these things, and yet there is
much which it were better were known, for our soldiers
are not deceived by lying reports. They feel whom they
can trust, and are not willing to fight for men like Mc-
Dowell and that ilk. McClellan's reappointment gives
great satisfaction to the soldiers. Whether right or wrong
they believe in him.

I expect to get my back letters to-day, and then what
a treat. I am still very much fatigued by the last month,
and like to rest all I can.

Good-bye. Kisses and love to all.

AfFec'y.f

Will.

ifi WILLIAM TBOMFSOS LTiS

Sectho Ruttlx or Bcix Rcnv

''Tlie Coofetfence AnsT ocufler Lee mmi&<ac£ — L miyme t, jd/kp;

Fooe's scicaccii was csrarivatni. at 6c,;300.

f5 «r^ope'. ann. ^ ^ P«™«i for , <i««««I
jctack oipoa Jadwa die ttcK dtoc^ t£ie oexz mnciuig br McDtTweil and
S[f^, wvh dae ri|^ axniii^ ap cstIt ta n^vin. . . . And k dear
chat Fope^s oolj clooce oc *baggi:i!^' <ik bcazns Jacksoo was losi oe
die 2Sdi br die ^Hbcocr, discoaoecxesi, axxd parposekaB umvJi c s of
Mcl>y«rell'fl wiie "

Fai^ 44S. '"Inbea Scerens's ditkiu o ■undies op tke pAe to tke
cnMSiRg of die Scbdler mad, where S^gd ii receivia^ Scinuz's and M2-
fnf% ciies for aid. . . . Si^, wvii die coosezx of Reno, as he daims,
wnmtdmAf scatters diis fine dmsioo. . . . Reno's ilmsaoo, wiikh
nest ^nhrtd^ was dissipafed ia like mannrr . . . Hooker's difkio o
OD its armal was also divided. . . .

** It was DOC an nncoomioo thing dmiog the war, as manjr an
knows from dear-bo u g ht experience, for commanders of troops in
to beseech support, nsuallj claiming that thejr were oat of ammonitioa,
or their flanks were being tnmed, and, when the reinforcements reached
them, to pot the newcomers into the front line and withdraw their own
troops to the rear. This was what S%el did widi the difiw Do s of the
right wing as thcj reached the EekL Thus these fine troops, second to
none in condition, discipline, and morait^ which, led hj their own gen-
erals and thrown in mass upon the enemj, would have Kmck a m%falf
blow, were frittered away over the field, simply rdierkig odier troops;
and adding but little to the extent or strengdi of the battle line. Sdnuz,
erer mi|g^itier with the pen than the sword, ci>ince d a marrelloos capacity
to absorb reinforcements. And Sigd, baring demonstrated his talents as
a mntepti 2nd a marcher the prcrious day, now prored his abiliry on
the batdefield by so sca t t ering the i7/xx> troops of the right wing as to
deprire them of their own able and tried commanders, and reduce them
to the least possible weight upon the fig^iting line.

''His diWsion being thus scattered. Gen. Sterens led up die pike the
brigade which was to reinforce Schenck. This consisted of only a regi-
ment and a half.'*

Page 450. ** Longstrect's wing was fast arnringy and by noon four
of his diyisions were in poskion."

453- ** General Pope arrived on the field about noon. . . . All the
afternoon he was expecting Porter's and McDowell's colunm to fall
upon Jackson's n'ght and rear, for he had worked himself up to the
belief that Longstreet would not be up for another day, and nothing
short of disastrous defeat could change his dogged belief.**

WAR LETTERS 183

Page 455. "Unable longer to control his impatience. General Pope
began about 4 p. m. sending peremptory orders to attack, first to one
command, then to another, as he could get hold of them, accompanying
the orders with assurances that the enemy was being driven by some
other command, and that Porter was about to fall, or was falling, on his
flank and rear, and using him up."

Page 458. "The rattle of musketry is still echoing in the forest, and
Kearny's fugitives are pouring out upon the open, when an officer in hot
haste conveys Pope's order to General Stevens to advance into the woods
and attack. The only troops left him were a regiment and a half . . .
only seven hundred strong. . . . The scanty line enters and sweeps
through the woods, encounters the enemy now holding the railroad,
delivers and receives for fifteen minutes, which seem hours, a heavy
musketry fire, and then, with the enemy swarming past both flanks, is
forced back through the woods to the open ground, where the men at
once halt and reform. Both the regimental commanders and Colonel
Leasure, commanding the brigade, were severely wounded, and the loss
was about two hundred. Gen. Stevens's horse was shot under him. ...
It was remarked that when his troops emerged out of the woods,
almost the last one was a short man in a general's uniform, followed
by a tall orderly bearing a saddle on his shoulder. With this attack
the fighting on the right came to an end that day."

Page 459. "The following incident, which illustrates the evil eflPects
of scattering commands, is related in the history of the 79th Highlanders
by Captain William T. Lusk, one of the General's aides: —

"'I was directed to find Famsworth; was sent by Sigel to Schurz,
and by Schurz to Schimmelfennig. The gallant German, when at last
found, exclaimed, "Mein Gott! de troops, dey all runned avay, and I
guess your men runned avay, too!" General Stevens was indignant, and
used some pretty strong language, when I carried back this report,
and ordered me to find the missing regiments, and not to return until I
brought them with me. I started, therefore, for the old railroad em-
bankment. Luckily, I found Famsworth just on the edge of the woods.
He said he was waiting for orders, but had none since I left him in the
morning.'

" But the day was not to close without one more useless slaughter of
brave troops. . . . Pope . . . ordered McDowell to push it" (the divi-
sion) " up the road in pursuit of the enemy, declaring that he was in full
retreat. . . . The other three brigades . . . fired by the lying promises
of success . . . hastened up the road with high hopes . . . but the
disparity in numbers was too great for the Union troops. . . . Night
put an end to the unequal struggle.

"This ended the fighting of the 29th. The Union arms were out-
numbered and repulsed in every encounter, and lost ground on both
wings. Sigel's dilatory and timid advance consumed the morning
hours until, with Longstreet's arrival, the chance of attacking Jackson's

i84 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

right was lost. Sigel, too, may be censured for his importunate and
\ unsoldierly demands for aid which so frittered away the weight of the

right wing. But Pope on his arrival could have rectified this. Pope,

and Pope alone, ordered the hasty and disconnected attacks of the after-

* noon, wasting the blood and impairing the morale of his best troops. . . .

All that afternoon Lee was master of the situation. His army was united.
1 Pope's was divided ; over twenty thousand of his troops out of reach and

beyond his control."

Page 463. The following day, Aug. 30th, "at noon, Pope issued an
order, the most astonishing in its fatuity ever given out on a battlefield."
The order was one to pursue the enemy, *'and press him vigorously
during the whole day."

Page 464. " But the officers charged with the execution of the order
never attempted to carry it out according to its terms. . . . The pursuit
feature of the order was ignored by all, and instead of it a strong column
of attack was organized against Jackson's center."

Page 476. "Under the leadership of a Sheridan, a Grant, a Meade,
or a Thomas, his" (Pope's) "gallant army would never have retreated
from the field, and might have inflicted a deadly blow upon its antagonist.
How bravely and even desperately the Union troops fought is best attested
by the Confederate reports, and the nine thousand Confederate losses
in killed and wounded. The union loss, including that of the 28th,
amounted to fourteen thousand. That at the end of the battle there was
disorder and demoralization among some commands it were idle to
deny, but it has been grossly exaggerated."

^'7 he 79fA Highlanders'* p. 204.

Todd, in speaking of the retreat at Second Bull Run, says:
"Without haste and without the least confusion, the batteries limbered
up and moved back to the Sudley road . . . Ricketts' division followed
and then ours. As soon as we began moving back, the enemy flocked
out of the woods in considerable numbers, and pressed so hard that
twice we formed a partial line and delivered a few volleys which retarded
their advance. The second time, and just as our brigade was forming
line, and the rear of the other regiments were filing past out of our front,
we heard the exulting shouts and yells of the enemy, who had gained the
position just left by us. At that moment too, and just as the early
twilight rendered objects indistinct in the woods, a one-armed horse-
man galloped up followed by some straggling infantry; we recognized

Gen. Kearny. 'What are you — cowards running away for.?* he

exclaimed. A regiment on our right had broken, and the General no
doubt thought that a stampede was about to take place. Some one
replied that we were not running away very much just then, and that
if he wanted to know why we had left our position, he could 'go and
see.' Turning to his men he shouted: 'Come on boys! We'll show these

WAR LETTERS 185

fellows how to fight!' It seemed but a moment, before we heard
a terrific volley of musketry, the bullets whistling over our heads, and a
moment later the gallant Kearny came dashing back through the woods,
his men following at his heels in great disorder. ' — boys, its hotter
than — there!' he exclaimed, and disappeared with his men. The
enemy followed, yelling and firing at the retreating troops, but Stevens'
veterans stood firm. Captain Lusk says: 'Capt. Stevens, our Assistant
Adjutant-General, realizing the necessity of presenting a bold and deter-
mined front to the enemy, caused the Highlanders and another regiment
on their right to again halt for a few minutes, and to pour so well aimed
and heavy a volley into the faces of the exulting enemy that they in turn
fell back into the heavy woods.'

9 *t

The Battle of Chantilly
Sept. ist, 1862

"Life of General Isaac I. Stevens^'* Vol. II, p. 477.

"General Stevens now" (Aug. 31st) "received orders from General
Pope to act as rear-guard." It was a "duty, the most important and
responsible in the army at this juncture. . . . Contrary to expectation,
the enemy did not press on after his victory, although he appeared in
force, advanced his skirmish line in plain view, and opened briskly
with his artillery, to which ours as briskly replied. ... At night
General Reynolds and his division relieved General Stevens. He
criticised some of the latter's dispositions, which called out a sharp
rejoinder. . . . Then he said the enemy might attack at any moment.
But General Stevens did not share his apprehensions, and remarked to
him, ' I think it most probable that the enemy will move around and
strike us under the ribs.'

"After being relieved, the division moved to Centreville, and biv-
ouacked on the heights half a mile south of the hamlet. The following
morning, Monday, September ist, the officers straightened out their
commands and took account of their losses. . . . Half of the division"
(Stevens's) " had fallen in battle, or on the march, since leaving Fredericks-
burg a fortnight before."

Page 479. "While the beaten and distracted Union commander
was trying to straighten out his forces huddled about Centreville, uncer-
tain whether to risk further conflict or to fall back to the defences of
Washington, Lee was moving his whole army in one column, to fall upon
his enemy's line of retreat and rear. . . . On this Monday morning
Jackson was marching down the turnpike with Longstreet and his whole
wing following closely in support, thus turning the Union Army at
Centreville, and moving to fall upon its only line of retreat. . . . Pope
had taken no steps to anticipate or guard against this fatal flank move-
ment. He was groping in the dark, utterly at a loss what course to
pursue, and consequently he did nothing until noon, when startling news

:^rr0^ -•HI tts ^^nmnn iiut m -irrMti- Vt /«ne-r3". raLnwt rsrximiiea

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-if -H^ Hifi;M*»i4i!T«. wrtrr '^^^^onuns Wiilum T. r...wfc ma .ionerr Ireas*

ifHt i" ilr»mi«*i 'ifil^rr. -hrr ran rnrrrrini, -xcnan^nie 1 aiirn ire -vim :tie
i^Hyvw*^ if»*? >ti*l invrn^ -r "xark, rmncd tic .iojIow. sannoiiiztcfi x
j|jvt^4 r*ilnv*4 ■fmiiwilemmr ▼?iich nnrcxsKi x. sna jusnea m utcr

f^.»^ 4^'^ ''A? Wile 'tie Hi^ianiient -weic ?hu« pu^nn^ isck dir
<^f»emv» ^prn^raA .Vwwi*, witti«vir riaihn^ or ccsaLrdtne chc mann ir ts
ff^fyw ;m tn^r^nr, -srtM ;Armin^ rUem as f^asr as tie7 isme id« ji 1 -liittrwr
^ -^rif^v^* '^ '^ hirher ««ie if rhe ieids ijcy/imi die boilcnr. . . .

P;#l^t 4^4l *'The "AtiMnn now advancisU Beniamin'i sons inn^
4s^]W ititA fhe tt^srA^ in nnnr. , . . Them ftim nnrhini^ tn 'ae frrrr inir
As^ 'Vvn nHH, «*vf#m«im!f rM*\ hiuiiined ^anii in frnnr and daaed 'tv ant
•jMI /vf 'jf'W^^, wirh *ii 'vid laigpa^ rati tencc ar iis edese. 'Taeic is no
^^my rH#^r^/ «r)f<'{;rtnv»d Catjraiii T^^ssk r^ Captain itevensk. as dney weoe
mi»i^hm^ fH<^ Ky Me; 'fhey h:i7e fallen back; we fiiail taid aothin^
f\s^f^' i^/^ %^ he tp^vke, fhe enem^ ^nnrnd a cerrmc ▼nOey tam beimui
^ ^;#>l f<»n^e, f^ji^^n .%fev«wii frrurfc die zrnond. - . - shot tn die
;vym Af^ hv^, »ii4 ;K he ifriif^ed rf> hss feet uw die even Line of die
Uyg^At\4^f^ pff^^n^ ^tmiy anri jire^ufily on. . . . TIxe enemy
^ff^ff'rr,^ fh<» 'A<nmn irirh a ferriWe and lieadlT mnsfcetry. The
w^f^ /;fllm|r /;»<#. f>Aeral Stevens now otdtred Captain Losk to
fnt^^f* fA ffn* ^>rh f'^m^-o^anta, which was heskating at enterine die
f'Mh^S^, nfiA fff ptHh fh^tn f/vfward, , , , The troops, cmder the wither-
fhfi^ hni) ^A hiifWf» wi?r« now w^vermi^ , . , Five color-bearers of the
Mifil^l'«fF/)^r# StTi^ UW^^ in #fK/'e^ion, an<l the colors again fell to the

!7/ffif»/|. At fhw rfw# (tmt.r»\ Sffrtr«)t poshed to the front, seized the
niUttf tiAM% ffffftt fhe h^fulit of the woanded bearer, unheeding hii
ttft * tfft (hkW Mke, don'f fake the colors. General ; theyll shooc foa

'III

WAR LETTERS 187

if you dol' and calling aloud upon his old regiment, ' Highlanders,
my Highlanders, follow your general!' rushed forward with the uplifted
flag. The regiment responded nobly. They rushed forward, reached
the edge of the woods, hurled themselves with fury upon the fence
and the rebel line behind it, and the enemy broke and fled in disorder.
The 28th Massachusetts joined gallantly in the charge, and the other
brigades as gallantly supported the first. . . . General Stevens fell
dead in the moment of victory. A bullet entered at the temple and
pierced his brain. He still firmly grasped the flagstaff, and the colors
lay fallen upon his head and shoulders."

Page 487. "Jackson, judging from the fury of the attack and the
numbers of his men running in disorder out of the woods that he was
assailed by a heavy force, . . . hurried Hill's infantry division forward
to maintain the battle. . . . General Stevens's division withstood the
attack of these fresh troops stoutly. It had driven back everything in
its immediate front. ... It was impossible for its scanty numbers long
to resist the pressure of Hill's brigades successively rushing into the
conflict. But aid was at hand.

"At the moment of ordering the fatal charge. General Stevens sent
Lieutenant H. G. Belcher, of the 8th Michigan, back to the main turn-
pike with instructions to ask support, and to go from commander to
commander until he secured it. Belcher applied to several generals,
who declined to go without orders, until finally he met General
Kearny. Scarcely had he made known his mission to him, . . .

when Kearny exclaimed, * , I will support Stevens anywherel*

and at once broke the head of his column ofl" the pike, and struck
across the fields to the sound of the battle."

Page 492. "Only sixteen Union regiments . . . fought this battle
against Jackson's whole corps of seventy regiments, of which at least forty-
eight were in the fight. The Union force numbered 5500 effective, the
Confederate at least twice as many. In this brief and fierce battle
the losses on each side were from eight hundred to one thousand. . . .

"How exactly General Stevens grasped the military situation when
he caught sight of the rebel skirmish line, and instantly decided to stay
Jackson's impending advance by an attack that would throw even him
on the defensive, is clearly shown by the Confederate leader's objective,
and the dispositions he had made of his troops to accomplish it."

Page 493. "It lay wholly in Jackson's will and power, advancing
but little over a mile, to hurl this mighty mass, seventy regiments strong,
upon Pope's only road and his retreating troops and trains. ... At
the very instant of launching the thunderbolt, Jackson learns that the
enemy is advancing upon him, his skirmishers are driven in, his center
division is hurled headlong from its position, the fugitives pour out of
the woods, he hurries his artillery to the rear, is forced to throw the whole
of his right division into the fight, brigade after brigade, and to withdraw
his left division for his last reserve. The possibility of striking his enemy

liS

I Jl

the fiaaeiKer <3B I;

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Pi«^ 4^ -Had

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At cae vezr —Jingn o« kii
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2S Dxxaaaader cf the arsxies ki V

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bcsaie fas gn^c a

Headqcakters 1st Dmsiox,

gdi Aiunr Cohfs,
Meridian Hill, Washingtdx, D. O

Sept. 6tfa, 1862.

3/j ^<^<ir Mother:

Now that our General is dead, a Colonel cxxmnands
the old Division temporarilT, and I continue to sup^in-
tend the office, running the old madiine along until
different arrangements can be made, when I suppose I
shall be set adrift with no pleasant prospects before me.
I would resign, were I permitted to do so, and would ^dly
return to my medical studies this winter, tired as I am
of the utter mismanagement which characterizes the
conduct of our public affairs. Disheartened by the ter-
mination of a disastrous campaign — disasters which
every one could and did easily foresee from the course pur-
sued — we find as a consolation, that our good honest old

WAR LETTERS 189

President has told a new story apropos of the occasion^
and the land is ringing with the wisdom of the rail-splitting
Solomon. Those who were anxious and burning to
serve their country, can only view with sullen disgust the
vast resources of the land directed not to make our arms
victorious, but to give political security to those in power.
Men show themselves in a thousand ways incompetent,
yet still they receive the support of the Government.
Politicians, like Carl Schurz, receive high places in the
army without a qualification to recommend them. Stem
trusty old soldiers like Stevens are treated with cold neg-
lect. The battle comes — there is no head on the field
— the men are handed over to be butchered — to die
on inglorious fields. Lying reports are written. Political
Generals receive praises where they deserve execration.
Old Abe makes a joke. The army finds that nothing has
been learned. New preparations are made, with all the
old errors retained. New battles are prepared for, to end
in new disasters. Alas, my poor country! The army is
sadly demoralized. Men feel that there is no honor to
be gained by the sword. No military service is recog-
nized unless coupled with political interest. The army is
exhausted with suffering — its enthusiasm is dead. Should
the enemy attack us here however, we should be vic-
torious. The men would never yield up their Capitol.
There is something more though than the draft needed
to enable us to march a victorious host to the Gulf of
Mexico. Well, I have been writing freely enough to
entitle me to accommodations in Fort Lafayette, but I
can hardly express the grief and indignation I feel at the
past. God grant us better things in future.

I had said my own prospects are somewhat gloomy.
When the changes are made in this command, and new

igo WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

hands shall take charge of it, I will have to return to the
79th Regiment — a fate at which I shudder. The Regi-
ment has been in five large battles, and in ten or twelve
smaller engagements. While adding on each occasion
new luster to its own reputation, it has never taken part
in a successful action. The proud body that started from
the city over a thousand strong, are now a body of crip-
ples. The handful (230) that remains are foreigners whose
patriotism misfortunes have quenched. The morale is
destroyed — discipline relaxed beyond hope of restora-
tion. The General and all the true friends of the Regi-
ment were of the opinion that it should be mustered out
of the service. After performing hard duties in the field
for fifteen months I find there is nothing left me, but to
sink into disgrace with a Regiment that is demoralized
past hope of restoration. This for a reward. I am
writing this from the old scene of the mutiny of last year.
A strange year it has been. God has marvellously pre-
served my life through every danger. May he be merci-
ful to my mother in the year to come. My old friend
Matteson is dead. He was a Major in Yates* Regiment
of Sharpshooters which distinguished itself at Corinth.
He died at Rosecrans* Headquarters, of typhoid fever.

We are going to move from here to-morrow, but your
safest direction will be Capt. W. T. Lusk, A. A. A. G.,
1st Div. 9th Army Corps, Washington (or elsewhere).
All the letters sent me since I left Fredericksburg have
miscarried, and I am very anxious for news.

AfFec'y.,

Will.

WAR LETTERS 191

Norwich, Conn.

September 9th, 1862.
My own dear Son:

I am half sick, very sad, grieved, and troubled on your
account, yet very thankful for the wonderful preserva-
tion of your life through so many dangers. I cannot
but feel that a life so cared for, has been saved for the
accomplishment of good and wise purposes, which will
be wrought out in God*s own time. Take courage, and
strengthen your heart, my own precious son, in the re-
membrance of what He has done for you, through the
whole course of your life, and especially for his goodness
amid the dangers of the past year. Well may we all lament
the loss of your General. I feel, and mourn as for a
personal friend, and the nation too late acknowledges
the want of appreciation of one of its greatest men and
ablest military commanders. Gen. Kearn/s staff, I
noticed, returned with his body, and so we have hoped
that, sad as the journey might be, you would be permitted
to accompany your General's remains to their last home.

I have just received two letters from you, one of the
4th, the other of the 6th. May God be with you, my dear
son, to comfort and guide. A dark cloud seems to have
gathered around you ; may it soon pass and the bright-
ness shine again. The Herald and Times have contained
little regarding Gen. Stevens, but the Tribune corre-
spondent sounds his praises, and dwells upon his memory.
There was a statement in yesterday's Tribune^ that while
he was engaged in his last battle, prominent men, though
political opponents, had decided to request that he
might command the Army of Virginia, his splendid fight-
ing on Friday and Saturday, having at last awakened

192 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

the remembrance of his superior abilities, and his dis-
tinction at West Point, as well as in Mexico, and where-
ever he had opportunities to show himself. The Express
says he was sacrificed to political opinion.

Do write as often as possible, my son. My nerves are
greatly shaken, although my health is far better in most
respects than it used to be, yet I feel sensibly this strain
upon my spirits. I cannot write as long a letter as I
wish to-day, but I intend in future to write a little every
day, to always have something ready for you.

The Lt.-Col. of the Eighteenth is not all that could be
desired, and Ely I am told regrets that you are not with
him. Political interests are paramount everywhere. Al-
fred Goddard called on us last night. He said he had
followed your course, and everywhere heard your noble
conduct spoken of. I will write again to-morrow. I
am very sorry you have lost your back letters which have
gone from my pen, as well as one from Lillie. All are
well at home. Poor Matteson, how you must lament
for himi Major Elliott I see is wounded.

God bless you my own dear son. In Him is our only
trust. Would that we could meet if only for one short
hour.

Your sisters send love and warmest sympathy. We
all feel for you, and I pray earnestly to God for His help
and blessings.

Lovingly and anxiously.

Mother.

Hunt's suggestions are dictated by his kind heart, but
I think you deserve and must receive a higher appoint-
ment than that of Aide.

WAR LETTERS 193

(From E. F. Lusk to Horace Barnard)

Norwich, Sept. loth, 1862.
Dear Horace:

I received your letter on Sunday morning. I am satis-
fied that you will manage the business intrusted to you
as well as may be during these horrible times, and hope
for a better future. I am sad, sick, despairing. Fifteen
months ago I gave my son, my only one, to serve his coun-
try as he best might. How faithful he has been his Gen-
eral has testified. He has fought in five large battles and
in ten or twelve small ones, not a day's respite, always at
the wheel, full of hope, full of energy, sacrificing home,
University honors in Berlin, all that made life lovely,
to serve his country in her hour of need. Look at
the result. Gen. Stevens, his good friend, the best,
the bravest, the truest patriot, the courageous soldier, the
great man, is sacrificed, while blundering little men who
can never fill his place are for political reasons reaping
honors. My son is still performing the duties of an
Assistant Adjutant-General, trying, as he says, to keep
the concern in motion, but with gloomy prospects when
the command passes into new hands. His regiment, the
79th, is reduced from its proud array of 1000 men to a
regiment of cripples — only 230 men are left, wholly,
I fear hopelessly, demoralized. Oh, my God, has he not
one friend who can lift a hand to help .? Are his services
of no value ? Loyal as I have ever been, loyal as I am still,
now that his kind appreciative General is gone, I would,
if I could, withdraw him from the army, where the faith-
ful servant is unnoticed, and the scheming politician
receives the honors.

I have received two letters since the battles on the

I9f WILLIAM THO]^IPSO^ UISK

Rappahannock, in all of which he was engaged, throu^
which, my God, **The God of the widow," presenred
him alive. He was ** Acting A. A- General," full of love
and admiration for his General, and honored in return by
his loving confidence. I now quote from his letter re-
garding his last battle: ''Wlienever anything desperate
was to be performed, Kearny and Stevens were always
selected, with this difference though, that Stevens was
rarely credited with what he did, while Kearny's praises
were very properly published. On Monday's fight, the
General's son and I were walking together in the rear of
the 79th Regiment, when Capt. Stevens was wounded.
Finding that he was able to move off* without assistance,
I continued to follow the Regiment. Soon the General
came up on foot. ^Have you seen your son r' I asked him.
'Yes/ said he, 'I know that he is wounded,' and then
added, 'Capt. Lusk I wish you would pass to the left of
the line, and push the men forward in that direction.' I
did as I was ordered and on my return found the Gen.
had been killed, and the troops badly slaughtered. The
General you have read was shot while holding the flag of
the 79th Regiment in his hand. There were five shot
holding the same flag in about 20 minutes time. I found
the sixth man standing almost alone at the edge of some
woods, still clinging hopelessly to the colors. I drew
him back to the crest of a hill a couple of hundred yards,
and gathered a few of the 79th about it. Kearny then
came riding up, and asked the name of the little band.
On being told, he said, ' Scotchmen you must follow me.'
They told him they had not a round of ammunition left.
* Well,' said he then, ' stand where you are, and it may be
you will be able to assist my men with the bayonet.' The
soldierly form moved on and it too, soon was dust.

WAR LETTERS 195

Stevens was a great man, and Kearny a courageous
soldier."

If these incidents would interest the public, and Mr.
Godwin is inclined to publish them I have no objection;
you may do as you like. I wish the country knew all
that occurred on those battlefields. The truth is begin-
ning to dawn. I have written a long letter. Will is still
at the Headquarters of the ist Division, Reno's Com-
mand. He shudders at the thought of returning to his
Regiment. The General and all the best friends of the
79th felt that it had suffered so much from constant active
service, was so terribly decimated, and so demoralized
from the loss of officers, it should be recalled from the
service. If my son has friends who can help, beg them
to think of him now — his General killed, his intimate
friends wounded. Major Matteson, his tried friend, dead
of typhoid fever — his cup is more than full, and my heart
is ready to burst with its grief for him.

Well, good-bye; give much love to all who care for us,
and believe me.

Truly yours,

E. F. LusK.

Norwich, Conn.

September 12th, 1862.
My own dear Son:

You see I am following out my resolution to write
you every day, although I have many doubts about your
receiving one half the letters I write. There is a great
dearth of news. Pope's report with its censures is excit-
ing remark, and I trust the country will demand a full
investigation as soon as the public necessity will permit.

196 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

JefF Davis* Proclamation is highly entertaining in view
of past acts; however, that we care Httle about, his words
are nothing. I wish I knew where you are, and where
the last turn in the wheel has placed you. I suppose
Gen. Stevens* part in the last battles, together with that
of his Division, can never be known. It is specially hard,
because his gallantry and the splendid fighting done by
his troops, were in the first accounts acknowledged.

The death of young Matteson I feel sorely on your ac-
count. It seems as though the storm had swept over
you; your General killed, friends wounded or ill. I stop
and think: "What am I that God should so preserve the
precious life of my son .? Should guard his health, should
guide his steps ? May I be grateful as I ought, may I be
more trustful/*

We have so hoped we mignt see you, that Hunt and
Mary have had a room furnished in the wing, hoping you
would be the first to occupy it.

13th. I wrote Horace a day or two since, giving an
account of Gen. Stevens* death from your letter, saying
if it possessed any interest for the public he might give it
to Godwin of the Posty and this morning I saw it published
there.^ I am glad, because so little has been said of this
brave man by any of the New- York papers except the
Tribune. I have written Mrs. Stevens a letter of sym-
pathy for her loss. I wanted her to know, and to feel, that
the Nation weeps for her illustrious dead. I wrote her
I took the liberty of offering her my sympathy, because
personally I felt her husband's loss most deeply for his
kindness to my son.

Mr. Benedict is below in the library with Hunt. His
brother, who was taken prisoner some time ago, but recently

^ N. Y. Evening Post of Sept. 12th, 1862.

WAR LETTERS 197

released, has been appointed Colonel of one of the new
N. Y. regiments. Our Governor I hear excuses his want
of consideration for you, by saying it would have been
different if you had belonged to a Conn. Regiment, so I
suppose you are considered as belonging to New- York.
Good-bye, my own dear son. God bless you always.
I thank him for your perservation.
Love from all to you, and kind words to Major Elliott.

Lovingly,

Mother.

[After the Battle of South Mountain]
(J. C. Wyatt to E. F. Lusk)

MiDDLETOWN, Md.

Sept. 15th, 1862.
Mrs. Lusk:

Capt. Lusk desired me to pen you a line, as he did not
have the time or opportunity, informing you that he has
passed through another bloody and fearful carnage and
is spared and in good health. I met him this morning
as I was returning to the General Hospital at this place.
The enemy has been badly beaten. Our Regt. has not
suffered much comparatively. You have reason to be
proud of your son. May God bless him and protect him.

Yours truly,

J AS. C. Wyatt,

Chaplain 79th N. T. V.

Norwich, Sept i6th, 1862.
My own dear Son:

I have very little reason to believe in the probability
of your receiving my many letters, yet I continue to write
with the bare possibility that they may some of them

198 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

reach you. Last night came the news of a glorious vic-
tory for us, but alas! also came the sad and sickening
news that another of our good and able Generals was
killed. In the general rejoicing my heart is heavy, for
my dear son was in Reno's command when I last heard,
and I am looking with fear and dread for the terrible list
to come from that battlefield. How my God is trying
me, and how merciful he has been to preserve my precious
son through so many appalling dangers! My heart was
so full of sympathy for Mrs. Stevens. I wrote her a letter
a few days ago. I saw that her husband was buried at
Newport, and an extract from an address delivered on
the occasion impressed me wonderfully. We are all
occupied by the same train of thought, deepened in
intensity of course with some of us, by the danger our
loved ones are in. I received a very kind letter from
Horace a few days since, wherein he dwells upon the
birth of your reputation; he says at twenty-four you have
won honors enough to suffice for a life time. You are
not forgotten my own son, my heroic boy. Many hearts
are watching, eager for every word from you. The extract
from your letter in the N. T, Post has attracted the atten-
tion of many who know you personally, or have heard
of you. They say the account is interesting, and written
too, by one who observes. . . .

17th. To-day our rejoicing is somewhat subdued by the
news of the surrender of our forces at Harper's Ferry.
Burnside's corps is said to have fought splendidly at
South Mountain; Reno's Command is highly compli-
mented, not a man faltered. I am so longing for another
letter from you. I see the 79th was in the recent engage-
ments. It seems they are always where work is to be
done. I saw too that Capt. Pier, of whom I have heard

WAR LETTERS 199

Dr. Elliott speak, was slightly wounded. I trust you have
escaped unhurt, that God's good angels have guarded
you, and brought you safely through. I noticed the names
of one or two from Co. K, 79th, among the wounded.
Uncle John's faith in Gen. Pope remains firm. Mine is
lost, yet I wish all to receive full justice, and am very
glad to discover merit among our officers; our men are
almost beyond praise.

Miss Abby Bond (Dr. Bond's daughter) is to be married
to-day, to a Mr. Adriance from St. Louis. Nannie Day
has come up to attend the wedding. Hunt is in good
spirits this morning; he sends love, thinks you are doing
great things, and hopes the ball now in motion, will
move until the great end for which it was started, is ac-
complished. He says he sees McClellan has been under
a chiropodist, and he is glad to see so glorious a result.

Again, good-bye, my own dear son. I pray that you,
so marvellously preserved as a soldier of our country,
may likewise always remain a soldier of the Cross. God
bless you, guard you, guide you, wherever you may be.

With much love from all, I remain, my precious son.

Always your loving

Mother.

[After the Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam]

Capt. W. T. Lusk, a. a. a. Gen.

1st. Brig. 1st. Div. gth. A. C.

Washington, D. C.

(To be forwarded)

Sept. 1 8th, 1862.
My dearest Mother:

After the battle of South Mountain, as we were being
pushed on to this point (near Sharpsburg), unable to

Address

aoo WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

write myself, the Chaplain of the 79th kindly promised
to inform you of my safety. Yesterday there was an-
other fierce battle in which I took an active part, but
he who lends a pitying ear to the prayers of the widow
and the fatherless, vouchsafed to spare me in the time
of danger. To-morrow I suppose there will be another
battle, so to-night, though it is late, I write you hurriedly.
Our successes in Maryland have been signal. We have
been cheered for the bloodshed of the past few days by the
sight of a retreating foe. God grant us such victories as
may speedily end the war. All wish for peace, and so
are willing to fight with desperation. Our division has
done splendidly so far.

I long to hear from home. Your letter of the 25th of
August, telling me that I was an unsuccessful candidate
for position in the i8th Conn., is the last news I have
received from home. Well, my fate is the fate of thou-
sands. Those of us who have borne all the dangers and
privations of the past, have no pretensions in comparison
with such as can control a few votes in a country parish.
I have taken part now in seven grand battles, and over
a half dozen smaller engagements, have been constantly
in service for fifteen months, have received the most
gratifying expression of the esteem of my superior offi-
cers, but promotion is not the result of service accord-
ing to our present system. In my old position as Acting
Asst. Adjt.-General to the Division, with a change of
Generals, I was superseded by a private of the 7th Regi-
ment of New-York, who received a Commission from the
President. This is perfectly right, as each General must
choose his own Adjutant and form his own staff. Of
the fifteen months I have held a Commission, fourteen
months I have held acting appointments, that is, have

WAR LETTERS 201

had the labor and responsibility of various positions
without the emolument. I am now Acting A. A. General to
the first Brigade of this division, the regular pay of which
position is between $160 and $170 per month. Holding
only an acting appointment I receive ;J 120.00. There is
not much encouragement in this, but still I am content to
be of any assistance, or to do my duty in any position
which may be allotted me. I fear my old friends who
hoped for much, feel more distressed than I do. I saw
Charley Farnsworth in Washington. He feels that he has
done much, and has received only neglect in return. His
wound troubles him still, and I think he is not sorry to
make it a pretext for quitting a service where there is
no glory, no recognition of service to promote and foster
a soldier's pride. Charley is a fine fellow, and his parents
may feel proud of him.

I have had those two bad teeth of mine extracted.
Tried a Regimental Surgeon first. Surgeon breaks one
of them off, and I decline to have the experiment repeated
— suffer all sorts of agony for about a month. At Fred-
erick find a regular dentist who feels confident that he
can draw any tooth. I let him try first the one not already
partially operated upon. Dentist puts on the forceps and
crushes in one side, then cuts the gum, tries again —
pleasantly assures me he can do it, and crunch goes the
old tooth again. Dentist grows radiant and tells how
he extracted twelve from one lady the day before, and is
more confident than ever that he can do it; puts on his
forceps and by a succession of wrenches breaks the crown
of the tooth, lays it complacently on a sheet of paper,
and says that is just what he most ardently desired; makes
another effort, smashes the root, and with the face of an
angel, tells me it's all right — that now he can do it. Here

2SZ imuAM imntFsas ixs£

JPBiBnniann tssat&fssrxs^at faaisji^ I objected to anr fmnliei tor-

tJns?!tg, ttfCiotlk cMoiintiilfWiEm. sasnk tsseo a sczte of nMrmahihgyy
rtTDorrtmtxd xnasunii- tw^ tccdh, anad all n^b:.

Gcivo^S-inne^ «(Sc^ar« dailxQ^ modBer, keep op good hcait.
God is unerdifyi as weiD as jait- Love so aD dae dear ones.

AffecV-j,

Wax.

OF McCi

'The tannpanlppf JB g&it Lass ■sdbesBnzn&ES'.c^rift^x vara
SA> dbr X««idbL MfOrltim asod ttlie Azeiit tid' 8^ Pocsmar ace «i!£^
^iiS XK< iUigscawt RjciuDAako 4v ijlBaigBc tfttc Ooisiif^BdSuaflc. Amif of
wBigjiBiaiiy iwi vm KfCKs Srxk npcm nbc raaiBicai |pmb( <ob okv
TV«4i^ tibcT indltncd iacavr ion upon i&at csasnr, i&kt Mtfi c i BJ keavj

Faee2. '"It KMdbiitigBe^m&rBtfaeAiWaf \ln!PBiiaaJtfaeAnBr
Miht F'QCiMnac vcse aBaittsd midfan the fact ujo—mMUe dfer the Aiiact of
Wjtfiiiiai^]08&y tixjc civr iuvt beeves, ^n ^Dc^ccinuicf' 2iil, i¥i5x.*

Pa^ 4. GcDeral ^^IcCScSbD vas pnftiraly wjrinint a cammamd
drngo^fWactMOSof tiaelast ilais of Aoi^iwr. as afl or ■cadi' al of tke
Atmr ^iht Pocootac had bcca sobk to ^cvi Pope

''Od dae mo t ntpg of dae xd** (Scf?<.>, **McCIefijB savs: *Tkc
Pniiil*ni and Ocncial H^Pfrlr caoie to odt ***«^tt^ vhra dae PnsadoK
fD^MnBcd me ... tisat dbe aiamr vas in fdBB icticat obmo dbc Jii i Lnccs
of WaslsiBa^ioo. ... He isBstmctcd tot to take steps at onoe to snp and
cofiect the itia^ig^eis; to place the vocks in a proper scale of dcie n cc,
and to £9 oat to meet and take cwwnmand of dae annr. . . .' So far as
9pptau%^ dds Terbal order of the PcesideDt vas the onlr one faf- whidi
I^fcOcflan was reinsated in CMmmjn d, and thtie docs not seem to
hare been anr order inaed b>r TDtne of mhkh dae Annr of Viqrinii
ceased to exist. . . . \lcOdian*s talents as an o t^^ium arc grncraflr
admitttd^ zad there k do doubt that at dae date cf mhkh w aie vridcag
he was extrctnehr popolar widi his men. As afl p te ssme of dae eccmr
was remored, as we have seen, on dae ftar after the PiesiJ en t d ii ected
him t/> take conmsand of dae afmr, he had a bieathing-space in which to
prvride f«>r the defences of WasfaingjRMi and to reorganize his annr, bat
as the information which he received on the 3d led him to beiine tint dae
cnesnv intended to crofs the opper Potomac into XIarjIand, ii was necc»-
sarr that the process of rcofjganization should go on while the troops-
were morin^^

Pa^ 16. ''Lee's plan was a good one. . . . Whether he knew or
eren suspected how hearir the brave and loyal and long- suff e ii u g Arm j

WAR LETTERS 203

of the Potomac was handicapped by the miserable jealousies, civil and
military, that prevailed at the time, cannot be told."

Page 20. On Sept. 13th, Lee's order designating the movements of
his several divisions, and setting forth the plan of attack on Harper's
Ferry, fell into McClellan's hands.

Page 22. "The finding of this paper was a piece of rare good for-
tune. It placed the Army of Northern Virginia at the mercy of
McClellan, provided only that he came up with it and struck while its
separation continued. . . . The case called for the utmost exertion
and the utmost speed. . . . Not a moment should have been lost in push-
ing his columns detailed for the left and right advance, through the
South Mountain passes. ... It cannot be said that he did not act with
considerable energy, but he did not act with sufficient."

The Battle of South Mountain
Sept. 14th, 1862

** Antietam and Fredericksburg,'*

The South Mountain passes had to be crossed to bring relief to
Harper's Ferry, and the author shows how McClellan, by making a
night march on Sept. 13th, could have occupied this strategic position
before the arrival of Lee's troops.

Page 30. "We know now that if he had marched no further than to
the foot of the range that night, a distance which he ought to have accom-
plished by midnight, he could have passed through it the next morning
substantially unopposed, and that advantage gained, the Federal army
ought to have relieved Harper's Ferry or fatally separated the wings of
Lee's army, or both."

Page 40. "The great fact remains that the two battles of South
Mountain were tactical defeats to the Confederates, but strategical
victories won by them. General Hill was right in saying, 'We retreated
that night to Sharpsburg, having accomplished all that was required,
the delay of the Yankee army until Harper's Ferry could not be relieved.'"

"Rebellion Record" Vol. F, f, 432 of Documents.

Despatch from General McClellan to H. W. Hallecky General-in-Chief,
dated Sunday, Sept. iphy gi^o P. M.

"After a very severe engagement, the corps of Gen. Hooker and Gen.
Reno have carried the heights commanding the Hagerstown road by
storm. The troops behaved magnificently — they never fought better.
. . . The action continued until after dark, and terminated, leaving us
in possession of the entire crest.

" It has been a glorious victory. I cannot yet tell whether the enemy
will retreat during the night, or appear in increased force during the
morning.

204 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

" I regret to add that the gallant asd able Gen. Reno is killed.^*

Despatch of General McClellan to H. W, Htdleck^ iaui Seft. ijlb^
10 A. M. p. <^55.

** Information this moment received, completdy confirms the rout and
demoralization of the rebel army. ..."

Part of Gen. Cox*s report, f. 4^4.

HEADqUARTERS KaNAWHA DIVISION,

Ninth Army Corps,

Sept. 20th, 1862.

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the pait
taken by the Kanawha division. Ninth Army Corps, Major-General
Bumside commanding, in the battle of South Mountain: At six o'clock
on the morning of September 14th, the division marched from Middle-
town, under an order received by me from Major-General Reno, direct-
ing me to support with my division the advance of Gen. Pleasanton,
who, with his brigade of cavalry and artillery, was moving up the
Hagerstown turnpike, toward the positions of the enemy in the pass of
South Mountain. ... It soon became evident the enemy held the crest
in considerable force, and the whole division was ordered to advance to
the assault of the position, word being received from Major-General
Reno that the column would be supported by the whole corps. . . .

About 4 o'clock p. M. most of the reinforcements being in posi-
tion, the order was received to advance the whole line, and take or
silence the enemy's batteries immediately in front. The order was
immediately obeyed, and the advance was made with the utmost
enthusiasm. The enemy made a desperate resistance, charging our
advancing lines with fierceness, but they were everywhere routed and
fled with precipitation. . . . About seven o'clock still another efFoit
to regain the lost ground was made by the rebels in front of the position
of Gen. Sturgis's division, and part of the Kanawha division. This
attack was more persistent, and a very lively fire was kept up for about an
hour, but they were again repulsed, and under cover of the night re-
treated in mass from our entire front. Just before sunset Major-General
Reno was killed while making a reconnoissance at the front. . . . The
conduct of both officers and men was everything that could be desired,
and everyone seemed stimulated by the determination not to be excelled
in any soldierly quality.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

J. D. Cox,
Brig. -General, Commanding Kanawha Division,

WAR LETTERS 205

General Burnside*s order on the death of General Reno. p. 457.

''The Commanding General announces to the corps the loss of their
late leader, Major-General Jesse L. Reno. By the death of this dis-
tinguished officer the country loses one of its most devoted patriots, the
army one of its most thorough soldiers. In the long list of battles in
which Gen. Reno has fought in his country's service his name always
appears with the brightest lustre, and he has now bravely met a sol-
dier's death while gallantly leading his men at the battle of South
Mountain. For his high character and the kindly qualities of his heart
in private life, as well as for the military genius and personal daring
which marked him as a soldier, his loss will be deplored by all who
knew him, and the Commanding General desires to add the tribute
of a friend to the public mourning for the death of one of the country's
best defenders."

"7(^h Highlanders" />. 233.

The Highlanders were among the troops that stormed and took the
South Mountain heights, turning the right of the enemy's line.

'* In order to escape the bullets which they showered on our advanced
position, we lay down, some of us falling asleep while the bullets were
cutting the tops of the corn-stalks above our heads."

The Surrender of Harper's Ferry

"Rebellion Record," Vol, F, p. 439 of Documents.

Harper's Ferry surrendered at 8 a. m., September 15, on the third
day of the defence, the ammunition having become exhausted.

Page 448. Confederate General Jackson says in a despatch dated
September i6th: "Yesterday God crowned our arms with another
brilliant success on the surrender, at Harper's Ferry, of Brigadier-
General White and 11,000 troops, an equal number of small arms,
73 pieces of artillery, and about 200 wagons. In addition to other
stores, there is a large amount of camp and garrison equipage. Our
loss was very small."

Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam
Sept. 17, 1862

"Antietam and Fredericksburg" p, 47.

In attributing to McClellan a lack of expedition in his pursuit of Lee
after the battle of South Mountain, Palfrey says:

"If he had used the priceless hours of the 15th of September, and the
still precious, though less precious hours of the i6th, as he might have,
his name would have stood high in the roll of great commanders; but

2o6 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

he let those hours go by, and . . . it took him forty-eight hours to get
ready to deliver his main attack, and then he had to deal not only with
Lee and Longstreet and Hood and D. H. Hill, but with all of them
with Stonewall Jackson added with two of his divisions."

Page 53. The author says of McClellan :

" He was a man of short and solid figure, good carriage, and singularly
pleasing manners. He was never in a hurry, and always seemed to
have plenty of time at his command. He had shown marked ability
as an organizer, and his men generally felt an almost idolatrous enthu-
siasm for him. . . . After Pope's defeat, the army turned to him pas-
sionately and the people hopefully, and the time was now coming that
was to test the question of his talents."

Page 56. "On the afternoon of the hot fifteenth of September, while
the long columns of the Federal Army were resting along the Boons-
boro' Road, General McClellan passed through them to the front, and
had from them such a magnificent reception as was worth living for.
Far from the rear the cheers were heard, faintly at first, and gradually
the sound increased and grew to a roar as he approached. The weary
men sprang to their feet and cheered and cheered, and as he went the
cheers went before him and with him and after him, till the sound reced-
ing with the distance at last died away. The troops moved on later,
slowly and wearily, and some of them were not in position till the next
morning.

"Gen. McClellan says that after a rapid examination of the position,
he found it was too late to attack on Monday" (Sept. 15). ** He does
not say at what hour he reached the front, but ... it was well into the
afternoon. ... So all this day, the 15th of September, Lee stood in
front of Sharpsburg with the troops of Longstreet and D. H. Hill
alone, while the whole army of the Potomac, excepting Franklin's
command, was near him.

"Tuesday the sixteenth was a terribly hot day in its early hours,
with a burning sun and no breeze. ... It was a day of mere idleness
throughout, for a large part of the army. . . .

"On the morning of this day Jackson arrived at Sharpsburg with
his own division . . . and Ewell s division."

Page 119. "Tactically, the battle of the Antietam was a drawn
battle, with the advantage inclining slightly to the side of the Federals,
who gained some ground and took more trophies than they lost. The
Confederates, however, held most of the ground on which they fought,
and held it not only to the close of the battle, but for more than twenty-
four hours after, and then retired, unmolested and in good order. The
steady tramp of their retreating columns, like the steady flowing of a
river, was heard all through the still night of the i8th of September, as
they streamed along the road to the Shepherdstown ford of the Potomac.
But, for an invading army, a drawn battle is a little less than a lost battle,
and so it was in this case. Lee dtew off successfully and defiantly, but

WAR LETTERS 207

the invasion of Maryland was at an end. Of McGellan's conduct of
this battle there is little to be said in the way of praise beyond the fact
that he did Bght it voluntarily, without having it forced upon him."

Page 122. "Both McClellan and Sumner exhibited their deficiency
in those qualities which appear to be Grant's most valuable endowments
— absolutely clear perception of the end to be attained, absolute insensi-
bility to cost so long as the end appears attainable, and never forgetting
and always acting upon the theory that when both sides are about ex-
hausted, then is the time to push, and that he who pushes then will find
the other side give way."

Page 127. "General McClellan decided not to renew the attack
on the 1 8th. . . . Orders were given by McClellan for a renewal of the
attack at daylight on the 19th, but at daylight on the 19th Lee was
gone."

"79/i?> Highlanders^'* p, 243.

"The next morning" (i 8th) "we expected to renew the battle, but all
remained quiet along the line, except for the exchange of shots between
the picket lines. The enemy could be distinctly seen occupying the
position they held late the previous afternoon, and we wondered why
McClellan did not at once press forward and secure the fruits of the vic-
tory won the day before. We all believed that a decisive victory was
within our grasp, and chafed at the apparently uncalled-for delay."

''fFar of the Rebellion^' Series /, Fol. XIX, p. 438.

Col. Christ* s Report,

Hd^rs. First Brig. First Div. Ninth Army Corps,

Antietam Creek, Md., September 21st, 1862.

Sir; I respectfully submit the following report of the part borne
by my command in the engagement near Sharpsburg, on Wednesday,
September 17th, 1862.

About 10 o'clock a.m. I was ordered to support some batteries cover-
ing our advance near the stone bridge across Antietam Creek. During
the afternoon I crossed the bridge and marched to the right, and parallel
with the stream, for several hundred yards. I here deployed the Seventy-
ninth New- York Volunteers as skirmishers, supported by the Fiftieth
Pennsylvania, Twenty-eighth Massachusetts, and Seventeenth Michi-
gan Volunteers, and then moved forward in front of the enemy's battery
(heavily supported by infantry), in the rear of a corn-field, on the right
of the road. On reaching the crest of a hill, about 350 yards in front of
the battery, I discovered that my support on my left had not come up.
Deeming my force alone inadequate for the attack on both artillery and
infantry, I was obliged to halt until supported on my left.

While halting under cover from the enemy directly in front, he opened
a battery on my left which commanded my whole line from left to right.

4 *5

2o8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

and for thirty minutes we were under a most severe fire of round shot,
shell, grape, and canister, and suffered severely. It was impossible to
move forward for the reason before stated — no place in the neighbor-
hood that afforded any cover — and the alternative presented itself
either to retire from a good and only position from which to advance on
the enemy in front, or to wait patiently until some demonstration on the
left would compel him to change the direction of his fire. Again, I could
not get under cover without retiring at least 250 yards, in full view of
the enemy, and if there would have been the least confusion the men
might have retreated in disorder, and exposed a larger and more dis-
ordered front to his fire, which would have largely increased the list of
casualties. I chose the former, and was gratified by having my expec-
tations realized.

A demonstration on the left compelled the enemy to change the direc-
tion of his fire, and my supports coming, we moved to the front, where
we engaged the enemy on his left, and in about one hour succeeded in
driving both his artillery and infantry from the position. I charged
on the battery with the Seventeenth Michigan Regiment (this being the
regiment immediately in front), supported by the Fiftieth Pennsyl-
vania and Twenty-Eighth Massachusetts Volunteers, but when within
100 yards of his guns (and while he was covered by a hill which pre-
vented my advance column from shooting either his horses or their
riders), he limbered up his pieces and retired. I did not deem it pru-
dent to advance after his artillery had retired, for the reason that the
woods were lined with his sharpshooters, and I would only have exposed
my command to their fire without gaining anything. I retired with my
charging party to my line of battle, and maintained my position until
ordered to take another farther down and near the bridge, where the
men slept on their arms for the night.

In this engagement it is impossible to particularize regiments, officers,
or men, for, from the moment we were brought under fire until ordered
to retire near the bridge, all displayed the utmost coolness and courage,
ready and prompt to move forward at the word of command, and both
officers and men vying with each other in the discharge of their duty.
My especial acknowledgments are, however, due to my Acting Assist-
ant Adjutant-General, Capt. William T. Lusk, for the assistance
rendered me not only during this .but also during the engagement of
the 14th.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

B. C. Christ,
Colonel^ Commanding First Brigade.

WAR LETTERS 209

Rebellion Record,*' Vol, V^ p. 465 of Documents,
General Wilcox's Order,

HEADqUARTERS NiNTH ArMY CoRPS,

Antietam Creek, Sept. 22, 1862.

General Order No. 12. — It is with the greatest pleasure that
the Brigadier-General commanding the First Division, announces to
the officers and men of the command, his entire satisfaction with the
manner in which they fought in the bloody battles of South Mountain
and Sharpsburgh. No troops in Europe could have done better.
The insolent enemy, flushed with the late successes, choosing their
own position, and led by their most talented generals, have been met
in desperate contest and hurled from the soil they had invaded.

We have borne no mean part in these victories, won for the glorious
Union and Constitution without which life is worth nothing, and for
the defence of which we are still ready to die.

Soldiers! In our rejoicings let us drop a manly tear for those who have
fallen by our sides, and for the brave men of our division, whose spirits
have fled to new scenes of glory.

The names of "South Mountain" and *' Sharpsburgh," will be
inscribed on the respective regimental colors.

By order of

Brigadier-General WiLCOX.

Headquarters ist Brig.

1st Div. gth Army Corps,

Sept. 22d, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Heigh-ho! I do wish I could hear from home. We are
promised a mail to-day, but I am not certain if my letters
will reach me. I get piles of papers which travel down
to South Carolina, make the tour of half the continent,
and finally inundate me with news eight or ten weeks
old; but the letters — where do they go to.? I asked
Genl. Bumside's Postmaster this question the other day.
"Why let me see" was his answer, "there were some letters
for you. I remember the name. Its a queer sort of a
name. Now where can they have gone to ? " Consolatory,
was it not? Here I am full of anxiety, and no relief.

210 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

However most of us here stand on the same footing. We
are resting now from past labors, near the mouth of An-
detam Creek where it empties into the Potomac. This
rest is indeed grateful to us all, for we were pretty well
exhausted, ridding Maryland of its invaders. The rest
can't last long though, I suppose. If possible I am going
to abandon the immediate pursuit of arms, and return
to medicine. Dr. McDonald, Surgeon of the 79th, urges
me very strongly to accept the position as his 2nd assist-
ant, and has well-nigh persuaded me that I could do
more good in that position than anyone he would be apt
to get elsewhere. I would like this first-rate, but how to
accomplish the transfer from Brigade-Adjutant to Asst.
Surgeon? The Government is not very obliging in
these matters, and it is too difficult a thing to work, for
me to hope much. I have a pretty good time now —
am not too much pressed with work. The Col. command-
ing the Brigade treats me with flattering consideration,
and I believe myself generally respected and beloved
in the Brigade. I am not consequently very unhappy,
am rather jolly than otherwise. Still I feel neglected,
and have abandoned anything like military aspirations.
It is vain to refer to long service, or to the estimation in
which I have been held by commanding officers as shown
on the records of the Division from the first. I cannot
but feel that had I stayed at home until these last levies
were raised, I might have held a much more responsible
position than my present one. I have abandoned in
future all care or thought of promotion, and content
myself with doing simply and purely my duty. Now
my precious mother, if I am querulous, don't let it trouble
you. I do not mind it myself. I only write as I do to
show you how it is that my feelings have so changed since

WAR LETTERS 211

we parted. You can remember how indignantly I re-
pulsed every suggestion as to my entering the army in
connection with the medical service, and yet would very
gladly do so to-day were it in my power. As for the rest,
not being one of your grand and gloomy geniuses oppressed
by a sense of their own merits, and the world's want of
appreciation of them, although occasionally exercising a
soldier's privilege to grumble, I contrive to keep up my
spirits, like a Mark Tapley in the township of Eden.
Bother! I would like to see you all. Master Turly
must wear breeches with pockets in them. Master Will
has doubtless grown large enough to bully smaller boys
than himself. (Such things are possible my dear sister
Mary, though I grant the improbability in this particular
case). Lilly and Tom have grown staid and domestic.
Walter can hear the heir-apparent talked about without
blushing. Both the Ellens make charming young mothers.
The old house, Hunt and Mary, and then my mother
thinking of an absent scapegrace who now sits in his
shirt-sleeves, having laid aside his shabby war-worn
regimentals, and wants to be remembered lovingly by all
his friends! Oh bother!

AfFec'y.,
Will.
Capu eff A. A. A. G.

Mouth of Antietam Creek,

79th Regiment,

Sept. 28th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

I have been sitting smoking my pipe by moonlight,
pleasantly chatting with my old friend Dr. McDonald,

212 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

rill remembering my anxious mother, I have returned to
say cheering words to that most estimable and precious
lady. At last your kind pains have been rewarded. A
mail-bag has arrived from Washington, and made me
the happy possessor of nine letters. What a treasure!
Eight from you, and one full of kindness from dear Lilly
who promises moreover to write me more, though I should
prove a negligent correspondent myself. Tell her to
do so by all means. Such proofs of love are very delight-
ful. I wrote you last, that I was entertaining some idea
of joining McDonald as his Asst. Surgeon. We had the
thing all nicely arranged — had consulted and received
the approval of the Medical Director, when a young man
presents himself duly commissioned for the position by
the Governor of New- York. My lucky star is not in the
ascendant.

Another change has taken place in my affairs. A new
brigade has been formed, and the 79th Highlanders trans-
ferred to it. I was obliged to follow with my Regiment,
and consequently resigned the position of A. A. A. G.
to the old Brigade. The same position was offered me
in the New Brigade, but, not liking the Brigadier, I de-
clined the honor. So now I am back again, a simple
Captain in the 79th, sole commander in chief of a com-
pany numbering some 20 effective men. So much for
** Glory." It may perhaps console you that Col. Christ,
who had charge of five Regiments in the late battles,
writes in his reports: "While I have reason to commend
in general the conduct of the officers of my command, my
special thanks are due to Capt. Lusk for the valuable ser-
vices he rendered me." I quote it (as nearly as I can
remember) because in the mass of reports which are sent
in, few, if any, will ever come to light again.

WAR LETTERS 213

I am glad you proposed to visit Maj. Elliott in New
London. He is a warm and true friend of mine. I wrote
Horace to-day quite a long letter. Hunt's letter, recom-
mending me to accept the position of Aide on General
Tyler's staff came too late. I could not apply for it, as
a Brigadier is not entitled to an Aide beyond the rank of
Lieut., unless the officer receives his commission direct
from the President. With Stevens I was simply detached
for Staff duties. This could be done inside, but not
outside, of the Brigade I may be attached to. I could
therefore accept by Army Regulations nothing less than
the position of Asst. Adjt.-General. Otherwise I would
have fancied the thing right well, as, having consigned
all ambitious project to him who is said to be the Father
of them, I would like very much to see something of cam-
paigning in the West, and the Western country. We are
now resting, recruiting, and getting ready for new deeds.
I trust we have inaugurated victory now, and mean to
hear nothing more of Manassas.

Great must Uncle John's faith be, if he still believes
in Pope. I am sure there was not a man in his army,
who had any confidence in his capacity, even previous
to his final disasters. We all considered him a very
noisy, pretentious liar.

It is now so late that I must say Good-Bye.

AfFec'y.,
Will.
7g/A Regiment f ist Brigade^ 1st Div.

gth Army Corps.

214 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

79th Regiment,

Near Antietam Creek,

Sept. 28th, 1862.
My dear Horace:

Here we are, still resting at the mouth of this muddy
little stream now famous and historical. Ten days have
gone since the battle and yet there are no signs of bustle
and busy preparation aiming at the destruction of our
dirty foes on the other side of the river. I say, " Forward ! "
To think of hesitating before such a pitiful crew as those
we have so lately beaten! You perceive our recent suc-
cesses are making us forget Manassas. But McClellan
is cautious, and, without intending any disparagement,
does not possess that lightning rapidity which character-
ized the "old Napoleon." Yet we of the Army are jeal-
ous of McClellan's reputation and fear the possibility
of losing him. Not indeed because we believe him
equal to the command of 600,000 men — we believe
him simply the best general we have got, and do not
trust the judgment of old Abe in the selection of a new
one. Pope, Sigel, Fremont, and the whole batch of our
political Generals are objects of honest terror to every
soldier in the Union Army. Stevens was a better man
than McClellan. His judgment was unerring, his fore-
sight marvellous, his prophecies sure of fulfilment. He
had a power to electrify troops, and lift them at the critical
moment to a degree of enthusiasm that was inspiration.
He could be cautious and crafty, as well as daring. He
felt himself bom to hold the reins of authority, and grasped
them so that the steady hand was felt by the commonest
soldier of his command. Soldiers all loved him, and
recognized his strength as it were by instinct. He knew
how to deal a hard blow, and deal it with rapidity. He

WAR LETTERS 215

never underestimated a difficulty, but his estimates were
forestallments of history. What he possessed in an emi-
nent degree was Power — and Power composed of rude
strength and natural vigor. What he lacked was comeli-
ness. This, culture could not give him. He needed a
grand sphere in which to move. Then he would have
been grand. Confined, one could detect what was
gnarled and ungainly. The oak is the monarch in the
midst of the forest, not in the garden. Among flowers,
neat trimmed box shows to the best advantage. There
was something about Stevens that offended little souls,
and there were many little souls who hated him. He
had such a galling way of expressing his detestation at
what deserves contempt, that many felt themselves
off^ended thereby. He had many enemies and many
friends, but those who knew him best mourn his loss
most deeply. The neglect and injustice shown him in
his life time broke his heart. He is dead now and at
peace.

To-day I received nine letters, the first I have seen
in many a day. Some of them are very old, but they
afforded a rare treat for all that. In one of them my
mother writes she had received a letter from you, in which
you wrote that I had glory enough at twenty-four to last
me for a life time. Ah, my dear Horace, there was rare
irony in that! I acknowledge it. I have had "glory"
enough to last me for a life time. I am satisfied with
what I've had of the article and am willing in future to
dispense with any further accessions. See what a valu-
able thing it is! A few days ago I enjoyed high favor,
I went into fresh battles, and the records show fresh
praises from my Commanding Officers. Christ, who
commanded a Brigade of five Regiments in the recent

2i6 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

battles writes in his report: "While the officers of my
command in general conducted themselves well, my
special thanks are due to Capt. Lusk for the valuable
services he rendered me. " Now for the rewards of ser-
vice. I have to-day the command of 14 men, six of
them old soldiers that grumble, and eight raw recruits
who are learning the mysteries of the goose-step. Sic
itur ad astra. There's glory for you. I acknowledge
I have had enough to satisfy me for the rest of my
life. I have not been persecuted in any way. The whole
thing is the result of natural causes which could not be
avoided. Fortune simply played me a sorry trick. Friends
say, "Resign." But I am not willing to be petulant.
If disgusted with "glory,** I believe in a better word, and
that is — duty. So I have turned to, tried to stop the
grumbling of the old soldiers, and get the recruits to
do the goose-step creditably. I want the fighting to go
on though. I can't stand it, lying still. I want to fight
the thing through, and get out of a mortifying position.
After sixteen months of service I trudge around with a
corporal's guard, while old friends who have been wait-
ing favorable opportunities at home until now, prancing
by me in new regimentals at the heads of Regiments,
nod to me familiarly perhaps, or probably pass me un-
noticed. There are no vacancies at present in the Field
of the 79th Regiment, and yet any day there may be. I
am the next eligible candidate at present in the Regiment
for promotion, and might get the next vacancy if friends
at home were only alive to the necessity of vouching for
me in some way, to those who have the power to dispense
Commissions. Here I see miners, tailors, carpenters and
all sorts of petty tradesmen, who find no difficulty in
getting friends to mention their names, and because sue-

WAR LETTERS ai;

cessfuly boast much of their political influence, and yet I,
a gentleman with plenty of friends, cannot boast of enough
to secure me my just dues in the regular order of seniority.
I do not want to be querulous. I do want Uncle Phelps
though, if he knows Gov. Morgan, to remind him occa-
sionally that he has a nephew whom Gov. Morgan might
remember, &c. Well, my dear Horace, I will say no
more. Ferhum sat sapienti. I hope one of these days
to get home with my duty done, and then I can laugh
at my present comical situation. Do write me a long
letter. I have heard nothing from you for some months,
though this is my third letter. I suppose either yours or
mine have been lost. Love to Cousin Lou, Hattie, your
mother and the good people on the Hill.

AfFec'y- but sadly.

Will.

79/^ Regt. 1st Brig. 1st Div. gth Army Corps^ Washington.

(To be forwarded)

Antietam Iron Works,

79th Regiment,
Sept. 30th. 1862.
My dear Mother:

I send you herewith the copy sent me to-night of Special
Order No. 8 from the Headquarters of the 9th Army
Corps. I trust it will afford you a crumb of comfort.
Keep it, if it will be of any use in getting me recog-
nized in Connecticut. Having always boasted of hailing
from that State, I am considered as a sort of alien in a
New-York Regiment. But Connecticut doesn't appear
to trouble herself much about me, so I think it would be
better if you should forward the document to Horace, to
whom I have confided the delicate task of insinuating

2i8 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

to my New-York friends that I am really living still. It
might be of some assistance to him.

Have nothing further to add» except that I don't
fancy my old crony Hattie's marrying a widower with
three children. Love to all.

Affec'y.,

Will.

"Rebellion Record" Vol, V^ p. 465 of Documents.

HEADqUARTERS NiNTH ArMY CoRPS,

Mouth of Antietam Creek, Md., Sept. 28, 1862.
Special Order No. 8.

The following officers and enlisted men of this command have
been honorably mentioned in the official reports of the engagements of
the 17th inst., and their names are hereby published, as a testimony to
their gallant and meritorious conduct in the field, and for efficiency
in their departments:

FtTSt Division.

. . . Colonels B. C. Christ and Thomas Welsh, for the able man-
ner in which they handled their brigades; Capt. Wm. T. Lusk, Acting
Assistant Adjutant-General of Col. Christ's brigade. . . .

J. D. Cox,
Brigadier-General Commanding.

Norwich, Oct. 6th, 1862.
My own dear Son:

I certainly did not intend writing you to-day, and have
but little time, yet I must acknowledge the reception of
Special Order No. 8 from the Headquarters of the 9th
Army Corps, and the pleasure it affords me. Thomas
Perkins obtained a letter from the Gov. of Conn, to the
Gov. of New- York. Walter has written you the favorable
result of his application so far, but of Gov. B*s* letter I
wish to make special mention. It was in the highest de-
gree complimentary to you, and stated in conclusion that

^ Buckm^am.

WAR LETTERS 219

had you served in a Conn. Reg*t he should have promoted
you long since. In fact my son, even I felt he had written
as handsome a letter recommending your promotion as I
could desire. So N. Y. I think is fairly the State of your
adoption, and your claims rest upon her, as you have
served with her sons. Should E. resign. Gov. M.* has
promised upon proof of your being first Captain, that you
shall receive the commission. However, it is best that
you should keep your friends advised, and we will do
what we can. I have so much to say, I wish I could talk
to you. Good-bye, God will bless you, trust Him for
all things.

Very lovingly.

Mother.

Hannah has a son three days old. I have sent Special
Order No. 8 to your Uncle Phelps and Walter who will
use it as they like.

(W. W. Phelps to E. F. Lusk)

New- York, Oct. 8th, 1862.
My dear Mrs, Lusk:

I inclose Willie's letter, in hopes that it has not yet
been too long at hand to be the latest from his Head-
quarters.

I have pleasure in announcing the result of an applica-
tion at Albany, which Mr. Phelps wrote you about.

I saw the Gov.

"If the position were vacant I should give it to you
now. All I can say under the circumstances is this, if
the vacancy occurs, and the facts are as stated about your
friend, he shall have it. I will bear it in mind."

1 Morgan.

220 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I wrote Will immediately that what he had to do was
to get Elliott to resign, and proof that he was the Senior
Captain, when he could mount his gold leaf as Major.

You can imagine how difficult it is to obtain a Com-
mission out of regular order, from the fact that the Gov.
has been trying for a month to get a simple Lieutenancy
for a ward of his.

Very truly,

W. W. Phelps.

79th Regiment, Camp Israel,

Pleasant Valley,

Oct. 19th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

It is some little time since I have had an opportunity
to write you, for a few days ago we were suddenly sent to
Frederick for the protection of that place, apprehensive
of an attack from Stuart's troopers. While there, we
had no conveniences for inditing epistles, little to eat,
and plenty of exposure. When I left for Frederick, I
was quite ill with camp dysentery, but it left me very
soon, although I have no doubt, could you have seen
me lying out of doors without shelter in the cold night
air, you would have predicted certain death to me. I
find men don't die easy, unless they are shot. Atmos-
pheric exposure doesn't kill. Men grow and thrive with
hardship.

Well, so I am another Uncle, bless my heart! As well
as the little heart of the new youngster who wouldn't
be a girl for any consideration! The female sex don't
seem to smile upon me, but then boys are such "rare
birds," as Dr. Tyng said of Billy Willson's Zouaves.

WAR LETTERS 221

There's some consolation in that. I think I shall accept
the Uncleship of Ellen's baby, so that when I get old
and a busybody, I can make a match between this last
nephew of mine and little Miss Dodge. Hey! Won't
it be fun! Give the small boy a good kissing, tell him
I am going to arrange all his love matters for him when
he gets old enough, and most charming of all, will buy
him a new drum as soon as he can handle the drumsticks.
For the rest I do not doubt but that he is a phenomenon
of a beautiful mottled cherry color, in fact beyond com-
parison, unequalled by any other baby of his age living.
Give my congratulations to Hunt and Mary, and tell
them, like a good brother I rejoice with them, and only
wish I could be present with them for a few days to share
their joy.

It is raining hard to-night and we think that cold weather
will follow. As for promotion, I do not bother my head
about that. I have enough to disgust me in a thousand
ways to make me sick of soldiering. However, duty is
duty, so I put my nose to the grindstone and say, "Grind
away." . . . My own tent — we are five of us together — has
a pretty good set of fellows. The only trouble is, with the
exception of my old first Lieutenant (appointed Capt. to-
day), they sadly lack interest in the cause they are engaged
upon. These new Regiments have destroyed the enthu-
siasm of the old. The newly enlisted men have already in
advance, in the way of bounties, received more money than
old soldiers can hope to earn in the entire war. The old
officers who have been in many battles and by hard ser-
vice have learned their duty, are obliged to receive instruc-
tions when on picket or other extra duty, from some
Major just entering on military life, who very likely pegged
shoes for them, without an inspiration for military glory,

222 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

a year ago. These things are hard to gulp down, and
unless the sense of duty is very strong the murmurings
are loud indeed.

Affec'y.,

Will.

"Antietam and Fredericksburg^* p. 129.

"The movements of the two armies in the seven weeks which fol-
lowed the battle of the Antietam, do not require minute description.
Both armies needed rest. . . . McClellan devoted his attention to guard-
ing the line of the Potomac, and to the equipment and reorganization
of his command. ... He wanted horses, shoes, clothing, and blankets,
and he wanted all the 'old troops that could possibly be dispensed with
around Washington and other places,' and he repeated his assertion
that in the recent battles the enemy was greatly superior in number."

Page 130. "By the 6th of October the President had become im-
patient, so much so that Halleck, the General-in-Chief, was instructed
to telegraph McClellan as follows: 'The President directs that you cross
the Potomac and give battle to the enemy or drive him south.' This,
however, did not move McClellan, and on the loth of October Stuart
crossed the Potomac, above Williamsport, with orders to 'endeavor to
ascertain the position and designs of the enemy.' He penetrated as far
as Chambersburg which he occupied for a time, destroyed public prop-
erty, made the entire circuit of the Federal Army, and recrossed the
Potomac, near the mouth of the Monocacy, without any material loss.
Thus for the second time a force of Confederate cavalry rode all around
McQellan's army. The latter exploit was the more noteworthy, and
the more discreditable to McQellan, because the raid was made on
Union territory."

Page 131. "There was undoubtedly great delay in the arrival of
supplies. ... At last, however, near the end of October, affairs were in
such condition that McClellan began to put his troops in motion."

79th Regiment, Oct. 28th, 1862.

Camp near Southville, Va.
My dear Mother:

We are once more on the march and have recrossed
into Virginia. Let us pray for success — and hope. I am
in first rate health and spirits. It seems as though ex-
posure was a good thing for a soldier. All the time I
lay in camp I did not feel well. The day we marched it

WAR LETTERS 223

rained hard^ and the air was excessively cold at night.
I was appointed Division Field Officer for the day, and
had to spend hours in a cold dark rainy night wandering
through marshes and wet fields examining picket posts.
Well, instead of killing me, as my good mother would
have supposed, I lost all my ill-feelings, and, after a
night's sleep, am in better condition than I have been in
for weeks. I regret only one thing — that we can no
longer receive our mails regularly. In our last camp
things were so arranged that we received the mail daily,
which was very pleasant.

I had a letter from Coz. Lou a day or two ago, and
enjoyed it greatly. It seems to me that Lilly has for-
gotten her offer to become my correspondent, that is to
say, to do all the corresponding herself. I am sure I
grasped her offer most warmly. I received a kind and
friendly letter from Col. Farnsworth some days since,
which I forwarded to Walter. The Colonel promised
me all the influence he possessed for my advancement.
A call has been lately made for men of the Volunteer
Army to enlist in the Regulars. It speaks well for the
discipline of the Highlanders, that, while from other
Regiments from 75 to 100 men eagerly sought the oppor-
tunity to enter a new service, hardly a dozen of our men
have been found ready to change their present condition.
In my own company not one has volunteered.

Affec>.,

Will.

If I get disabled, I think I shall keep a candy store —
with so many nephews I would be so popular. Tell Mrs.
Dodge that, for the benefit of her little girl, I shall keep
an assortment of the biggest goggle-eyed wax dolls.

W. T. L.

224 WILLLWI THOMPSON LUSK

Near Rectortuxe, Va.

XoTcmber, 1862.

\Ij dear Xfotker:

I received your half reproachful letter last night just
after I had gone to bed, and thou^t that perhaps I might
have made a little too much of the diJScuIties of writing
without pens, ink, stand, and oftentimes in the cold with
numb fingers after a day's march. These thii^ make
me disinclined to write letters, vet I should know bv the
pleasure the receipt of your missives affcnds me, that to
occasion like pleasure in return should be sufficient incm-
dve to exertion. I am commencing well to-night with a
small stub of a pencil, sitting in McDonald's tent. But
remember do, dear mother, when at dmes I prove neglect-
ful, that all is necessarily well; that "no news is gQod
news.**

I hardly can give you any hint of the intentions of the
Army. We do not see the papers often enou^ to study
the general movement of our troops, and cannot even
make conjectures. We all hope thou^ that we are
engaged on some earnest and important undertaking.
We feel that it is ^~ital to act, and wish to act successfully.
Bumside and McClellan are near us, and we have faith
in them. I judge from some remark I read in the papers,
that Connecricut has given her vote to the DenKxrracy
in the late elecrions. A test-vote was taken on elecdon
day in our Regiment to tr)* the relarive strengths of
Seymour and Wadsworth. 168 votes were polled, of
which Wadsworth received only 52. This was not so
much because Se^-mour or his principles were popular, as
for the reason that Wadsworth, long before his nominarion
for Governor of New- York, was generally known to the

WAR LETTERS 225

army as rather the leader of the clique so obnoxious to
the soldier, which was loud and virulent in its abuse of
McClellan. The feeling was rather McClellan versus
Fremont, than Seymour versus Wadsworth.

While I think of it, I will deny the story that Rockwell
did not command his battery in the James Island battle.
He did so, and I do not think Porter meant to deny it.
Porter probably said that he (Porter) commanded Rock-
well's Battery the most of the time they were on James
Island, without specifying anything regarding the fight.
You know Rockwell was sick a good deal of the time,
and Porter, as next in rank, did command in many of
the almost daily skirmishes. Porter did first-rate service,
and is too good a man I think, to injure his own repu-
tation by decrying another. On the day of the battle
Rockwell was well enough to command in person, and to
the entire satisfaction of General Stevens.

I had a letter from Horace yesterday, and should judge
he was blue. The poor fellow has had discouragements
enough. He writes that if the draft falls upon him, he
shall enter the ranks and come out to the war. This is
wrong. He should secure a Commission, or stay at home.
With my present experience, I would not have leaped
blindly as I did at the commencement of the war. I
have had a hard struggle with pride and duty to make
me persist, but a little of the caution displayed by most
of my friends, would have saved me many difficulties.
If my friends have generally been more successful than
I, I can at least feel consoled by the thought that what I
have gained has been won by my own exertion. There,
that is pretty egotism! Little boy blue, come blow your
horn!

I wish I had seen Charley Johnson when in my neigh-

225 WnJJAM TBOMFSOX IXSK

borfaoocL I su pp ose I «as cE to F r cdoiclL

mast have been joonieriiig to die moco, I guess, ^riien

he « luim^ escaped'Scoan's Candrr.

Wnx.

November iTdi, 1862.
My €fivn dear Son:

I dunk I win commeoce die week by wridng a letter
to you who in these times of trouble occupy so large a
diare of my thoughts. Sam Ellbott was here 00 Saturday,
dined with us and staved some hours. His sad condition
makes me feel very melancholy. Poor fellow! How he
has suffered. I sometimes widi vou were all withdrawn
from the Army. Ghl my poor, poor country! It is so
grievous to see our sons and friends maimed, sick, or
to know that they are dead. He (Elliott) tells me you
are well, and seem strong. God has indeed been merci-
ful to ^are your life and strength amid such great dangers
as you have passed through during the last eighteen
months. Elliott talks of returning to his dudes this
week. He certainly ought not, for he is weak, sick, and
unfit for exerdcMi; besides that, he requires the most
nourishing diet. He told me that he found you at break-
fast on mouldy bread and sloppy coffee, while we who
are at home doing nothing, are fattening on luxuries.

Oh! my dear, dear son, I feel so anxious about the effect
of this coming cold winter, and I cannot help a feeling of
bitterness that you are not provided with proper food.
If you should have an attack of rheumarism, do get per-
mission to return to be taken care of properly. I hear

WAR LETTERS 227

nothing more of your prospects in New-York, but am
sure your friends will not relax their exertions. We are
all well here, and the Grands are doing finely, especially
the last. A week from Thursday is our Thanksgiving
Day in Conn., so we are expecting Thomas and Lillie to
pass the day, after which I shall return with them to New-
York for the winter. Elliott told me when he reached
New- York, being cold, he wrapped around him the blanket
Hunt gave him, and as he staggered from weakness, a
police officer arrested him for drunkenness, but released
him immediately on discovering that he was ill. What
is the general feeling in the Army regarding the removal
of McClellan, as far as you can judge ? Uncle John is
violently opposed to him, and Hunt, I think, partakes of
his feelings. Whether justly, or unjustly, there is certainly
a strong party against him. The Post and Tribune
oppose him, the World and Express uphold him, while
the Herald humbly submits its judgment to the will of the
President.

Mary Wells and her husband have returned from
Europe, and are expected here this week. Hannah has
nearly, or quite recovered her strength. I have not much
news to tell you. The Twenty-sixth Regt. left last Thurs-
day, to the relief of some of our citizens. They were
in town at all hours, and a hundred or more at once
would run past the guard and rush to their tents when
they pleased. The Lt.-Col. when issuing his orders, would
address them thus: "Gentlemen, please to stand back,*'
or, "Gentlemen, please to stop," when he wished them
to halt. This is the gossip. Very few of them were
known in town, and consequently less interest was felt
for them than for the Eighteenth and Twenty-First.
Edward Ells, and young Meech who married Louisa

228 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Bond went with them. Gen. Tyler and Ned, Dr. Osgood
saw last week in Chicago. He reports that they are
having a rather forlorn time. It is some time since their
paroled prisoners have seen the paymaster. I hear you
have been inconvenienced by the same cause. The papers
state that all are now being paid, so I hope you too will
receive your own. Uncle Thomas heard somewhere, that
the "De Soto" was off New Orleans on her way home
for, repairs. If this is true, Charles may soon be home.

Good-bye, my own dear son, may the Almighty God
be ever your defence and shield.

Always very lovingly.

Mother.

Elliott said, if the Medical Examiner forbids his return
this week, he should come and see me again. His brother
William is in Washington. His arm is still useless.

McClellan succeeded by Burnsidb

"Antietam and Fredericksburg^* p. 132.

" Late on the night of the 7th of November McClellan received an
order relieving him from the command of the Army of the Potomac,
and directing him to turn it over to Gen. Bumside. . . . To relieve
McClellan of his command so soon after he had forced Lee out of Mary-
land, was hard measure. He had succeeded to the command when Pope
had been very badly beaten, and when the sound of the enemy's
guns had been plainly audible at Washington. He had rapidly raised
the troops from a condition of much discouragement and demoraliza-
tion, and made of them a compact and efficient force." . . .

Page 133. "His interminable and inexcusable delays upon the
Peninsula afforded just ground for dissatisfaction, and they seemed, to
say no more, to be followed by similar delays upon the Potomac. . . .
So the 'young Napoleon,* the popular idol of 1861, was removed from
the command of the army for which he had done so much, and while
it seems that hard measure was meted to him, there is more ground for
sympathy than there is for wonder."

Page 134. "It is little to say that his character was reputable, but
it is true. He was a courteous gentleman. Not a word was ever said
against his way of life nor his personal integrity. No orgies disgraced

WAR LETTERS 229

headquarters while he was in command. His capacity and energy as
an organizer are universally recognized. He was an excellent strategist
and in many respects an excellent soldier. He did not use his own
troops with sufficient promptness, thoroughness and vigor, to achieve
great and decisive results, but he was oftener successful than unsuccess-
ful with them, and he so conducted affairs that they never suffered
heavily without inflicting heavy loss upon their adversaries. . . . There
are strong grounds for believing that he was the best commander the
Army of the Potomac ever had. No one would think for a moment of
comparing Pope or Bumside or Hooker with him. . . . While the Con-
federacy was young and fresh and rich, and its armies were numerous,
McClellan fought a good, wary, damaging, respectable fight against it.
He was not so quick in learning to attack as Joe Johnston and Lee and
Jackson were, but South Mountain and the Antietam showed that he
had learned the lesson, and with longer possession of command, greater
things might fairly have been expected of him. ... A growing famil-
iarity with his history as a soldier, increases the disposition to regard him
with respect and gratitude, and to believe, while recognizing the limita-
tions of his nature, that his failure to accomplish more was partly his
misfortune and not altogether his fault."

Near Fredericksburg,

Nov. 19th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

Here we are at last on familiar ground, lying in camp
at Falmouth, opposite to Fredericksburg. I have been
unable while on the march for the few days past, to write
you, but am doing my best with a pencil to-night, as one
of our Captains returns home to-morrow, and will take
such letters as may be given him. It was my turn to go
home this time, but my claim was disregarded. You
know Lt.-Col. Morrison has command of the Regiment
in Col. Farnsworth's absence, and Morrison never omits
any opportunity to subject me to petty annoyances. I
am an American in a Scotch Regiment, and in truth not
wanted. Yet I cannot resign. The law does not allow
that, so I have to bear a great deal of meanness. Stevens
in his lifetime knowing how things stood, kept in check

230 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

the Scotch feeling against interlopers like Elliott and
myself. ... I do not exaggerate these things. I used to
feel the same way in old times, but had been so long
separated from the regiment as almost to forget them.
I have borne them of late without complaint, hoping
the efforts of my friends might work my release. In the
Regiments of the old Division I think no officer had so
many strong friends as I. In my own Regiment I may
say that I am friendless. (I except McDonald). In
the Division I had a reputation. In my Regiment I
have none. After eighteen months of service I am forced
to bear the insults of a man who is continually telling of
the sacrifices he has made for his country, because he
abandoned on leaving for the war, a small shop where
he made a living by polishing t^rasses for andirons.

Forgive me, my dear mother, for complaining. It
does me good sometimes, for then after speaking freely,
I always determine afresh that if these things must be, I
will nevertheless do my duty, and in so doing maintain
my self-respect. Love to all, dear mother. Good-bye.

Very afFec'y.,
William T. Lusk.

Near Falmouth, Nov. 22nd, 1862.

My dear Mother:

We are still overlooking the city of Fredericksburg,
which the enemy has not evacuated, disregarding our
warnings. I suppose the shelling of the city will com-
mence to-morrow, unless regard be shown by our Com-
manders for the Sabbath day. I must say the attack on
Fredericksburg is a thing I greatly dread. The field of
battle with all its horrors is redeemed somewhat by the

WAR LETTERS 231

thought that the dead on both sides have fallen in a cause
sacred in their own eyes at least, and this redeems them,
but wanton destruction of property and all the probable
results of a successful siege develop only the most devilish
propensities of humanity. To see women and children,
old men, the weak and the feeble insulted and injured,
makes one hate war and distrust one's cause, and yet
with the lax discipline maintained in our armies, we have
too frequent examples of such outrage, the efforts of
officers to check them being completely neutralized by
the accursed conduct of the Press with its clamor for a.
vigorous prosecution of the war. In this way Pope pre-
pared his troops for defeat. Burnside is a nobler nature,
and will do what he can to prevent such stains on our
honor, but he even cannot wholly arrest the effect of
the savage appeals of our journals at home. You ask
me what I think of McClellan .? I cannot answer for
myself, I have been too little under his command, but by
his old soldiers — by those in whose judgment I place
confidence, he is trusted as the ablest General in our army.
Granting even that he is slow, they believe he had the
power to have brought the war successfully to a close,
had he been allowed to execute his plans without the
assistance of our Executive's wisdom. I fear we have no
great soldiers in our army. Probably we had a good medi-
ocre one in McClellan. It is doubtful whether we have
that now. Poor old . . . Abe has put down his big clumsy
foot — and God help us! We don't look for assistance
either to old Abe or the collective wisdom of his advisers.
We hardly look to the people of the North wearied with
repeated disappointment. In our wretched army system
we have not much more to hope. What then ? We
must trust in God, and conquer. This alone can help

232 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

us now. To this is our pride humbled. In hoc signo
/ vinces. I do not despair, but hope — and while I live,
will never despair — but my hopes will rise, when a sincere
effort shall be made to check the license and marauding
propensities of our troops, when thieves and robbers shall
receive speedy and terrible justice, when, in a word, we
shall deserve to conquer. A righteous indignation toward
the authors of the rebellion may be a good thing, but it
is very likely to be confounded with a desire to pamper
one's belly at the expense of the helpless. It may be a
good thing to use severe measures to bring deluded men
to a sense of their errors. Still I think, were low ignorant
ruffians to visit my home while I was away fighting, burn
my house, lay waste my property, insult mother and sisters,
beggar the little children I might love, taunt the gray
hairs I might respect, leave starvation in the place of
plenty, I should feel singularly strengthened in my early
— delusion. Yet this is a truthful picture of what the

and its school mean by a vigorous prosecution of

the war. Cromwell's troops were terrible soldiers — a
scourge to the enemy — and they conquered because
they were forbidden to stain their cause with robbery
and wrong. I heard two soldiers disputing to-day, one
of them belonged to the i8th Ind. Vols., the other to the
8th Ohio Vols. They were contending as to which Regi-
ment should be entitled to the credit of having collected *
and sent home the greatest amount of plunder. I heard
a Michigan soldier boasting that his Regiment had foisted
thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit money on the
people of Virginia in exchange for little luxuries. A
poor woman lived near us. A party of cowards entered
her house to search for booty. She implored them to
leave the little that she had for her children's sake. The

WAR LETTERS 233

brutes thrust her out of the door, until they had ran-
sacked the poor dwelling, and then left a weak woman
and feeble little children to go supperless to bed. The
great, hulking, cowardly brutes! But I have no wish to
point the finger further at our disgrace. I have said I
do not despair, but at sight of such things I cannot but
despond.

Give my best love to all my dear friends — God bless
them and protect them.

Very affec'y->

Will.

Near Falmouth,

Nov. 26th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I have selected the most inviting of the paper Nellie
sent me to write you to-day — such nice paper I thought
it would be to write a love-letter on, to some dainty little
lady. I have lighted a real good cigar, and fancy I might
be delightfully sentimental, but nearly five years absence
from home has left me, alas! with no dainty little lady
acquaintances, time having changed them into inter-
esting matrons. So as my own mother is the most
interesting matron of my acquaintance, I find myself
writing to her.

To-morrow will be Thanksgiving Day. The manner
in which it is supposed to be observed in camp you will
find interestingly pictured in last week's "Frank Leslie."
I suppose we will dine in reality to-morrow on coffee and
crackers and fried beefsteak. Still these things satisfy
the appetite, and are even capable of producing dyspepsia,
notwithstanding the popular notion that such an evil is

234 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

confined to the pampered denizens of cities. You must
take Sam Elliott's descriptions of camp-life cum grano
salisy remembering what wonderful descriptive powers he
possesses. I do not doubt he pictures the horrors so
vividly that the hearers suffer far more from listening to
his accounts, than the actual victims do from experiencing
the reality.

You will see Wm. Elliott I suppose. Tell him then
that I must have written authority from him to collect
the money for his lost horse. I wish to serve him, but
need the writing to enable me to act. My special friend,
Lt.-Col. Morrison, played me another amiable trick to-
night, having appointed More Major of the Regiment,
subject to the approval of the Governor of New- York.
This was in the first place unnecessary, as More has not
yet reported for duty. Then it was a thing he had no
special power to do. Col. Farnsworth (so he writes me)
having already recommended me to the Gov. for the
position. But it was a cunning trick, as, should my
appointment occur in the face of his own published to
the Regiment, endless troubles could easily be made
to result. Yet Morrison to my face is the sweetest,
most amiable among the artificers of brasses for andirons.

Capt. who so flatteringly presented my prospects

and deserts to Uncle Phelps, was at the same time, Farns-
worth writes me, the bitterest of my opponents, and using
his best efforts to ruin me in New- York and Albany. They
are a sweet set among whom I have fallen. They owe
Elliott and myself an old grudge for the favor Stevens
showed us, which they now have an opportunity to repay.
They have fixed Elliott's case for him, and they are busy
settling mine. However I have recovered my amiability,
and no longer feeling any hope of escape, am not a little

WAR LETTERS 235

amused at the trouble they take regarding me. I tell
them everything candidly, so that they need be at no pains
on my account, but they, not supposing it possible for a
man to be staightforward, exhaust any amount of useless
cunning to gain their ends. And the best of it all is, that
while all this working is going on, we are all such capital
friends that it is really delightful to see brethren live in
such harmony together.

With regard to the intended Army movements we are
all utterly in the fog, the time passing and the mud
growing deeper, while batteries are being built by the
enemy under our very noses. What's the use of question-
ing ? Time will show.

I shall think of you feasting merrily to-morrow, mind-
ful of the absent son and brother, and wish you all joy.

I am wearing the stockings you sent me and find them
glorious. I am generally quite comfortable now, from
the contents of the box my friends prepared and sent me.
You must thank all those to whom I am indebted, in my
name. I shall send this letter to New- York direct, sup-
posing it may reach you sooner so. Love to Lilly, Mary,
Hunt, Tom, and the Infant Department.

AflFec'y.,

Will.

(W. W. Phelps to E. F. Lusk)

New- York, Nov. 28th, 1862.

My dear Mrs. Lusk:

You will rejoice with me on hearing that the Postman
has just brought me a large envelope stamped with the
State Seal, containing a Commission for Major W. T,

236 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Lusk! Hurrah! And Hurrah a second time, because I
was too much for his honor, Lt.-Col. Morrison!

I surmised he would play Will a shabby trick and
recommend another, and I was ready for him. I wrote
to the Gov/s secretary that he might nominate a fellow
named More, but that Famsworth, I was pretty sure,
preferred Capt. Lusk. Sure enough! In Major Linsly's
letter enclosing the Commission, he tells me that Capt.
More presented himself with Col. Morrison's nomination,
whereupon Major Linsly read my last letter to the Gov.,
in which I had anticipated the case, and the Gov. told
him to send me the Commission for Capt. Lusk.

I write Will to-day, and send the Commission. I
daren't send the latter before I have advised Will, or
Col. Morrison, through whose hands it goes, might ven-
ture to detain or destroy it.

With love of Nelly and me to Hunt and Mary,

Very truly,
Wm. Walter Phelps.

(W. W. Phelps to W. T. Lusk)

Nov. 28th, Evening.

My dear Will:

The end of a day marked by the alternation of joy with
sorrow in an extreme degree. This morning the Postman
gave me a large envelope covered with postage stamps,
and marked with the seal of the State. It contained two
papers — the one in a large envelope with the same seal
upon its face and the superscription Major W. T. Lusk;
the other, the letter explanatory from the Gov.'s Secretary,
which I enclose.

WAR LETTERS 237

You can imagine my gratification — the labor of months
rewarded and the suspense ended. I made it a holiday.

Your Uncle, who had travailed with me, should rejoice
over the birth. Down I rattled in the omnibus, with that
beautiful Commission in my pocket — surest of the sure,
for hadn't I it in black and white and on parchment ? I
could tell any one, but, except Nelly and our folks who were
rejoicing over it at home, Mr. I. N.^ should be the first.

I left the omnibus at the Post-Office, where I dropped
in a letter to tell your mother that I had a Commission, in
which the Commonwealth of N. Y. declared that for the
confidence it had in him, her son was declared Major
of the 79th. From the Post briskly to 45 Wall, where
your Uncle and I re-read the Commission, shook hands
and laughed over the accomplishment of well-laid schemes.
Mr. Stillman was still off for Thanksgiving, so we had
the office to ourselves.

Finally I tore myself away and went with Commission
and a light heart to my desk at Judge Woodruff's. Young
Woodruff read the Commission, congratulated me and
floored me with a telegraphic despatch. I felt it in my
boots as soon as "the words" (vide Homer) "escaped the
hedje of his teeth," that here was a fall to Pride. And
so it was, and a happy day received a most gloomy end.

The Despatch told me to send back the Commission —
that Capt. More must have it — that Capt. Lusk had
recommended the appointment. I saw our Postmaster
and told him to recall your mother's letter if possible. I
broke the joy of your Uncle, who was telling Mr. Brady
with glee of his nephew's promotion, and longed for
bedtime that I might cease to think of the disappoint-
ment of human hopes.

^ Isaac N. Phelps.

lj« WILLIAM THOMPSON

I Aim\ %i:t how you could well help signing^ but if
you had rmly had the courage to rely on our watchfuhiess
and refuse t But it's too late now. Your Uncle and I
have only this melancholy consideration to console us —
that we have spread your fame. Your name is as familiar
as h/>uschold words to Mr. A. T. Stewart who wrote for
your Uncle the strongest of letters, to Gen. Wetmore,
to Mr. Opdykc and hosts of solid men, who could tell
your story from Bull Run down, as well as I.

Never mind. Will, your disappointment cannot be
any greater than mine, who carried "Major Lusk*s"
Commission for six hours and had to return it.

Only next time, if your friends have worked and provided
for every contingency except that, don't sign away your
chances by recommending another for the place they seek.

All well. Your mother comes down Monday to live
with Lilly.

In haste, most afFec'y.,

Walter.

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

December 3d, 1862.
My J far Mother:

1 hasten to write you to-day, fearful lest you should
drrud n\y being overduly oppressed by any feeling of
disappointment at not receiving that promotion in my
Regiment, which friends may have flattered themselves
Nvus n^y due. I accept the disappointment without com-
plaint at least now, if not at first. Its so indifferent a
mutter after all, what position I may fill, so long as I am
found worthy to serve in any wise the interests of a be-
Kwe\l ci>untrv. 1 do not believe ^•ou love or esteem the
^mple C^iiptain less. Rank in our Army is of small

WAR LETTERS 239

importance at best. I know full-fledged Colonels who
once sat cross-legged in a tailor's shop, and who still
know a deal more about mending breeches than about
soldiering. Our democratic institutions work beautifully
in the Army. But I won't grumble, provided friends at
home don't fall asleep while such an institution as " pip-
ing" exists. I saw Gardner Green to-day, and talked
McClellan to him until the cars carried him off.

By-the-way, dear mother, I need hardly state to you
that I would rather like to get out of the 79th Regiment,
and not only that, but out of the Volunteer service alto-
gether. I do not know if the thing be possible, but would
like very much to get into the Regular Army. Ask Walter
and Uncle Phelps if they know of any parties capable of
helping me in the matter. I suppose there are plenty
of parties with feelings similar to my own, so that there
are twenty applicants for every vacancy. Even if I were
not to retain my Commission after the close of the war,
a position in the Regular Army would secure me more
congenial companions for the present. Do, mother, in-
quire if the thing can be done.

I like "Old Abe's" emancipation plans as developed
in his "Message" very much. His "Emancipation
Proclamation" though, I decidedly object to, after my
Beaufort experience. The "Freedmen's friends" down
there used to send home very glowing accounts of their

successes, but they told awful lies. That whom

Lilly speaks of meeting, was a rare old chap in the way
of lying. I believe in getting rid of slavery at any cost,
but think Father Abraham has proposed the wisest plan
I have heard of yet.

I tried to get a chance for a few days at home this month,
but as usual was told there was no chance. Were I any-

240 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

where else I could get home occasionally on Regimental
business, but I don't ask, nor expect, any favors in a
Scotch Regiment. What evil star ever guided my destiny
into a parcel of foreigners ? I suppose Providence knows
best, and now I find myself as fairly caught as Sterne's
Starling with no likelier chance of getting out.
Well, success to my new fancy for the Regulars.

Love to all.

AflFectionately,

Will.

I am repeatedly informed of the great sacrifices my
brother officers have made in coming out to the war,
usually in the following words: "Why, that man used
to be a boss-mechanic at home." Nothing but boss-
mechanics in the 79th are supposed to have either hearts
or any other kind of entrails.

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

December 7th, 1862.

My dear Mother:

We are still lying quietly in camp — no signs of a
move yet, but general suffering for want of clothes, shoes
in especial. The miserable article furnished by the
Government to protect the feet of our soldiers seldom
lasts more than three or four weeks, so it is easy to under-
stand the constant cry of "no shoes" which is so often
pleaded for the dilatorintsss of the Army. I am, happily,
well provided now, and can assure those of my friends

that contributed to the box Capt. brought me,

that the box contained a world of comfort for which I
heartily thank them. I think I have acknowledged the
safe receipt of the box and its contents already, but a

WAR LETTERS 241

letter from Lilly says not. I will write Uncle Phelps
that it came all right. I have had a rare treat to-day.
Indeed I feel as though I had devoured a Thanksgiving
Turkey. At least I have the satisfied feeling of one that
has dined well. I did not dine on Peacock's brains
either, but — I write it gratefully — I dined on a dish
of potatoes. They were cut thin, fried crisp, and tasted
royally. You will understand my innocent enthusiasm,
when I say that for nearly six weeks previous, I had not
tasted a vegetable of any kind. There was nothing but
fresh beef and hard crackers to be had all that time,
varied sometimes by beef without any crackers, and
then again by crackers without any beef. And here were
fried potatoes! No stingy heap, but a splendid pile!
There was more than a "right smart" of potatoes as the
people would say about here. Excuse me, if warming
with my theme I grow diffuse. The Chaplain and I
mess together. The Chaplain said grace, and then we
both commenced the attack. There were no words
spoken. We both silently applied ourselves to the pleasant
task of destruction. By-and-by there was only one piece
left. We divided it. Then sighing, we turned to the fire,
and lighted our pipes, smoking thoughtfully. At length
I broke the silence. "Chaplain," said I. "What ?" says
Chaplain. "Chaplain, they needed SALT!" I said
energetically. Chap puffed out a stream of smoke ap-
provingly, and then we both relapsed again into silence.
I see a good deal of Capt. Stevens now, who says were
his father only living I would have little difficulty in
getting pushed ahead. He, poor fellow, feels himself
very much neglected after the very splendid service he
has rendered. It is exceedingly consoling, in reading the
late lists of promotions made by the War Department,

242 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

to see how very large a proportion has fallen to the share
of young officers whose time has been spent at Fortress
Monroe, Baltimore, or anywhere where there has been
no fighting done. Perhaps our time may come one of
these days, but I trust I may have better luck in the
medical profession than at soldiering. However I sup-
pose when I get old, it will be a proud memory to have
fought honorably at Antietam and South Mountain, in
any capacity. I feel the matter more now, for I have
been in the service so long, and so long in the same place,
that I am fairly ashamed to visit old friends, all of whom
hold comparatively high rank. I do not see why before
the first of January though, I should not be the Lt.-Col.
of the 79th Regiment. In trying to be Major, I at-
tempted to be frank and honorable, and lost. Now I
shall try to act honorably, but mean to try and win.

I feel sad enough about Hannah. You know what
inseparable playmates we were when children. God
help her safely, whatsoever his will may be.

Love and kisses for all but gentlemen friends.

AfFec'y.,

William.

Camp near Falmouth, Va.
December loth, 1862.

My dear Mother:

I was much disappointed to-night not to hear from you.
I had expected a letter all day long, but the usual mail
did not arrive. I wanted to hear this time, because to-
morrow we believe will be spent amid the deafening roar
of cannon, which is to usher in another act, let us hope
the final one, of the grand drama popularly known as

WAR LETTERS 243

"Onward to Richmond." While I write, wagons are
moving over the road, and preparations are being com-
pleted for to-morrow's engagement. Possibly the enemy
may make no resistance here, still their batteries frown
ominously upon us. The indications promise the great
battle of the war — possibly an Austerlitz for the enemy
— we hope a Waterloo for us. I have heretofore, shel-
tered by the prayers of mother and sisters, been singularly
exempt from the accidents of war. The same Power that
has already shown so much tenderness, has still the power
to spare. But if in His wisdom it seemeth best this
time to take my life, then, my dear mother, recognize in it
only the Hand of the Inevitable. If my dying hours were
only crowned by the certainty of victory, I could then
close my eyes in peace. And in the great joy of the Na-
tion, all individual griefs were selfish. So that I would
have my mother's heart beat high, and be proud to have
contributed a part of its own life's blood to the glorious
consummation. With my whole heart I am eager for
our success. Should I not see it with my earthly eyes,
still let my mother rejoice for me, when all once more
is well. But I am not given to entertaining forebodings.
It is enough to do one's duty and let Providence pro-
vide. I prefer to think of the time when we all will return
home, the laurel won. Think of the pride I shall feel
as my own Regiment receives its welcome from the joy-
ous citizens of New- York, a welcome deserved by its
conduct on many fields. Think of the stories I would
have to tell. I believe that Mary's boys — the next
generation — will be better when they hear the story of
the present. And another generation still, when the
dimness of time shall have enhanced the romance, will
dearly love to hear the tale of the Great Rebellion from

244 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

the lips of Uncle Will. I think a wound — not a danger-
ous one, but some mark to show at the climax of the
tale — would both contribute to the interest, and heighten
the effect. Let us hope for the best in all things then,
and believe that in all things, if we seek, we may always
find a best.

Give my best love to Tom and Lilly, Hunt, Mary and
the boys, Walter, Ellen and Nellie, Cousin Louisa. Pshaw!
My dear friends are so numerous that I cannot mention
them without surely omitting many often in remembrance,
so good-bye.

AfFec'y- your son.

Will.

(Note appended in his mother s handwriting)

My dear, dear child, he has a nobler, purer, better, more

unselfish heart, than the poor weak mother who gave him

birth.

[Battle of Fredericksburg]

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

Dec. 1 6th, 1862.
My dear Mother:

Back again once more in the old camp, sound as a
dollar. Would that 10,000 lying on the field across the
river, or stretched on rude soldiers' beds in pain and
some in mortal agony, could say as much! Gone are the
proud hopes, the high aspirations that swelled our bosoms
a few days ago. Once more unsuccessful, and only a
bloody record to show our men were brave. This can-
not heal the broken hearts this pitiful record is to cause.
That God must do! Alas, my poor country! It has strong
limbs to march, and meet the foe, stout arms to strike

WAR LETTERS 245

heavy blows, brave hearts to dare — but the brains,
the brains — have we no brains to use the arms and limbs
and eager hearts with cunning ? Perhaps Old Abe has
some funny story to tell appropriate to the occasion. Alas,
let us await the wise words of Father Abraham! I say
I am back, having recrossed the river about two o*clock
this morning. Yesterday evening I was sent out with
a couple of hundred sharpshooters to cover the front until
the troops were all withdrawn. There I lay supporting
the pickets within two or three hundred yards of the enemy
while our troops crossed the river. Then word was sent
us, and in silence we fell back, crossed ourselves, and
then the pontoons were removed. Now we are in the
old camp, and I am happy to write myself down in
the number of those who have narrowly escaped. In the
battle of Saturday, troops were thrown into the fight
without any seeming regularity. Many were not under
fire at all. Among the latter were the First, and a part
of the Second Division of Wilcox's Corps. You know I
belong to the First Division. Our position gave me a
fine opportunity to witness the battle. It was a bonnie
sight though, and thrillingly exciting. From the crests of
the hills frowned the enemy's batteries. The city was
gay with our troops. Beyond the city and below the
batteries was open country giving no cover to advancing
troops. Over this expanse our men were marched. The
pennons fluttered gaily in the sunshine. Then suddenly
the hills seemed to vomit forth smoke wreathing them
in obscurity. Then followed the thunder of the cannon,
intermingled with the screaming of the bursting shells.
The ordeal was a terrible one. Some Regiments marched
on without flinching; others fell back. To the left,
running diagonally, was a stone-wall. A portion of our

246 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

troops drew near it. This suddenly is likewise jetting
with curls of smoke, followed by the sharp crack of the
rifle and the angry humming of the conical balls. Now
the troops are shaken. Stragglers run rapidly to the
rear, then whole Regiments fall back with torn colors
and broken ranks. It is of no use. That terrible stone-
wall is alive with death. Many Regiments try to reach
it. Their efforts avail nothing though. Nearly in the
center of the hill, west, there stands a fine old Virginia
mansion of red brick with a stately colonnade running
along its front. It was here that Col. Farnsworth had
his headquarters last summer. This point was often
attacked by our troops, but the house was like a hornet's
nest. The enemy was strongly posted about it, in its
alcoves, outbuildings and windows. There was death
only, for those who tried to reach it. Our troops found
some partial cover at a point below the house at the foot
of the hill, where a small white house stood. Here two
American banners were planted, the dear old thirteen
stripes! How breathlessly we watched them! Though
often attacked, when the smoke wreathed upward, our
hearts were happy to see the colors still floating defiantly
near the small white house. At length night closed on
the scene. We believed the bloody day was done. There
was one scene yet bloodier to be enacted. A final night-
attack was decided upon. We could not see our troops
advancing in the darkness, but we heard a yell along
the rebel line. Then a rapid musketry fire ran along the
heights — a more terrible fire I never have seen. Forked
tongues of flame such as old artists paint issuing from
the mouths of the serpents to whom is given the tormenting
of the damned, flashed in the night with a brilliant eflFect
as the fire was delivered from man to man. Then dark-

WAR LETTERS 247

ness followed. Then silence. And we knew that more
blood had been shed and nothing won. The next morn-
ing we were told that the 9th Army Corps was expected
to storm the heights. It was Sunday morning. The
Regiment was drawn up in line. The Chaplain read
a chapter from the Bible, then said a short prayer.
The men followed the prayer with their hearts, as men
do who may never pray again. Then the word was
given, " Forward," and we started on the march, few
hoping to survive. Then we were ordered to halt. We
lay long in a state of expectancy. Meanwhile a new
council of Generals was being held. There had been
enough blood fruitlessly shed, said the most. No more
of the madness and folly which will only result in the cer-
tain destruction of our army. Ten thousand men lost and
the enemy sits unharmed in his trenches. Burnside says
he will lead his own corps in person. But finally reason
prevails in the council. The attack is postponed and
finally abandoned. Last night the troops crossed the
river, and to-day we are counting on our fingers the thous-
ands of men the events of the past few days have cost us.
There are impossibilities in warfare — things that no
troops can accomplish, however brave they may be. They
cannot for one thing cross long stretches of open country
without any cover in the face of an artillery fire of any
magnitude, and then clamber up a hill-side exposed to
the musketry of a concealed foe, and then cross the ditches
and scale the earthworks of the enemy, driving the latter
from their position with the bayonet. Men fight in
masses. To be brave they must be inspired by the feel-
ing of fellowship. Shoulder must touch shoulder. As
gaps are opened the men close together, and remain for-
midable. But when the ranks are torn by artillery, the

248 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

cohesion begins to faiL Then expose the men for several
hundred yards to a murderous fire of musketry, and
front rank man is gone, rear rank man is gone, com-
rades in battle are gone too. A few men struggle along
together, but the whole mass has become diluent. Little
streams of men pour in various directions. They no
longer are amenable to command. The colors must be
drawn to a place of safety, and in time the men will
gather around it again. Numbers can effect little under
such circumstances, provided they have no means of
touching the enemy. The latter, lying under cover, fir-
ing from a place of safety, may murder your men. You
may try again and again the experiment, but each repe-
tition only lengthens the butcher's bill. Now I have
written all this to show that success, as the attack was
made, was impossible. In the same way we butchered
the Confederates at Malvern Hill.

Well, I have seen McDonald, and felt quite happy to
meet one who had been so lately among my friends at
home. He told me of Uncle Phelps' offer of a horse,
of his efforts for me and their probable success, and
brought me some liquor and cigars from him and Cousin
Henry. Give them my thanks, and say I delay acknowl-
edging their kindness in a special manner, until I can
learn all particulars from the Doctor. Arriving here the
day of the battle, he has been so busy in the hospitals
since, that I have barely learned the above facts as they
were hurriedly repeated by him. I will write Uncle
Phelps as soon as McDonald has time to tell me any-
thing more than the general result of his visit.

I am so cold, that though I have much more that I
would like to write, I must close and go to the fire. I
may write again to-morrow. Love to all.

AfFecy, Will.

WAR LETTERS 249

Battle of Fredericksburg
Dec. 13, 1862
"Antietam and Fredericksburg,** p, 138.

"General Burnside's whole plan was based upon the expectation of
an immediate occupation of Fredericksburg. . . . The promised pon-
toons did not arrive until the 25th, eight days after Sumner reached
the river. . . . Thus it happened that before the pontoons arrived, the
Confederates had concentrated a large force on the opposite side of
the river."

Page 141. "It is a familiar military maxim that a general should
never do what his adversary wishes him to do. There probably never
was an occasion since the first body of troops was arrayed, when a gen-
eral did more precisely what his adversary wished him to do than Bum-
side did at Fredericksburg. When the Confederates began to fortify
the heights in the rear of Fredericksburg is uncertain, as it is uncertain
just when the last of Lee's army arrived there, but their advance was there
nearly a month before the battle, and their last arrivals probably a fort-
night before it. Lee's present for duty December loth, 1862, was 78,228.
Seventy or eighty thousand men, working with a will, throw up perfectly
sufficient eanhworks in a very few days, not to mention the assistance
which the Confederates probably had from working parties of blacks.
There was probably nothing that the engineering talent of the Con-
federacy could supply, wanting to the completeness of their defence on
the 13th of December, 1862."

Page 166. "At Fredericksburg we see a gallant army engaged in an
undertaking at once unnecessary and hopeless, and sent to destruction
with no plan and no preparation."

Page 184. "The gallantry displayed by the Federal army was the
more to its credit, because of the feeling which prevailed in it. . • .
The Army of the Potomac had been at Malvern Hill and at Sharpsburg.
It knew how the Southern and Northern armies in turn had fared
when either undertook to assail its opponent in a chosen position,
and the difficulties of the position to be earned at Malvern Hill and
at Sharpsburg were as nothing to the difficulties of the position at
Fredericksburg."

"jgih Highlanders" f. 262.

"About eight o'clock on the morning of the 12th we marched
down to the river, crossed, and, a short distance to the left of the
bridge, brigade line was formed, where we remained for several
hours."

Page 263. "About eight o'clock the next morning, Saturday, the
13th, our artillery opened a furious cannonade, under cover of which
our troops advanced to the positions from which they were to make the

2S0 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

assault. The Ninth corps, occupying that part of our line below the
town, between Hazel and Deep Runs, was ordered to be in readiness to
support the attacks of either Franklin on our left, or Couch who com-
manded the Second corps, on our right.

"At noon the assault began. . . . The troops moved forward bravely,
and as soon as they gained the open plain, were met by a terrific fire
from the guns of the enemy; the storm of shot and shell was fearful,
and wrought sad havoc in the advancing ranks. Our troops pressed
forward, however, until they came within range of the enemy's infantry,
and there their advance was checked. Flesh and blood could not with-
stand the terrible shower of iron and lead that now poured into their
already decimated ranks, and the men were obliged to lie down behind
such slight shelter as the rolling ground afforded. The bravest of our
troops held their ground, while others fell back in disorder, and suffered
heavily again in their retreat across the open ground.

"About three o'clock in the afternoon our division was sent across
Deep Run to support Franklin, but his advance had been checked,
and thus we were saved from the fearful slaughter of the day. . . . We
lay on our arms until about four o'clock Sunday morning, at which
time we marched back to the city, where the whole corps was massed.
. . . The 15th was passed without anything worthy of note occurring
till after dark, when fifty picked men under Capt. Lusk and Lieutenants
Armour and Menzies, were ordered to advance as near the enemy's
lines as possible without drawing their fire, and hold the position
till further orders. We supposed at this time that Bumside had
re-adopted his plan of attacking with the Ninth corps. . . . The men
moved quietly through the lower end of the city and out on the plain
between it and the enemy's works. It was very dark, and . . . they
marched noiselessly along. . . . When within a hundred yards — as near
as could be guessed — of his pickets, our men halted and lay down flat
on the ground; orders were passed in whispers. . . . This position was
maintained till within an hour of daylight, when orders were quietly
given to wit)idraw. ... It now began to dawn upon the minds of our
party, that they were covering the retreat of a portion of our army; this
was confirmed when, on entering the city, not a living person but them-
selves was to be seen or heard; . . . and when the last of our men stepped
on the bridge, the ropes that held the bridge to the shore were cut. . . .
It was daylight when our men reached camp, feeling quite proud of the
confidence placed in their courage and prudence, which caused them to
be selected for such an important and delicate task."

WAR LETTERS 251

(Col. a. Farnsworth to W. T. Lusk)

New- York, December 20th, 1862.
My dear Lusk:

Your last letter has not been answered before this,
because of the reason that you — ye army of the Potomac
— were on the move before it reached me, and I felt dis-
posed to await your arrival in Richmond! The "turn
of things" lately, however^ has induced me to alter my
mind.

In regard to the matter of the Majorship, I must con-
fess I was "dead beat." They got "way ahead" of me.
ril explain all to you satisfactorily when we meet.

I suppose you have seen Dr. McDonald, and that he
has told you how "on the 29th of October, Gen. Burn-
side wrote a letter to the War Department, recommend-
ing me for a Brigadiership," and how the said letter was
sent to Gen. McClellan for his approval, and never re-
turned. Now, if that letter could be reproduced and sent
again to the War Department, nothing would prevent
me from soon pocketing a Brigadier*s Commission. I'll
tell you a joke about the Brigadiership, rather at my
expense however. The other day Thurlow Weed was
sitting with the President — Generallissimo Lincoln —
when Col. Farnsworth's card was sent in. Weed, suppos-
ing that the card represented this individual, remarked,
"By the way, Mr. President, my call on you was par-
ticularly in relation to Col. Farnsworth." And then he
"put in" for me, leaving with the promise that my name
should be sent in to the Senate immediately. Three or
four days thereafter, to the astonishment of Mr. Weed,
he saw an announcement in the papers that Col. Farns-
worth of Illinois had been appointed a Brigadier! In

252 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

fact, the Illinois Farnsworth secured his promotion at the
expense of the New- York Farnsworth. Mr. Weed and
others are now pushing the thing for me, but as every
Col. in the army is now an applicant for a Brigadier-
ship, I am not disposed to rely solely upon the aid and
influence of politicians. That letter from Burnside would
fix the thing at once. In the event of my promotion, you
can rely upon the Lieut.-Colonelcy. Keep mum on the
subject. Of course this matter is in my own hands. As
soon as my name is sent in to the Senate, I shall go to
Albany at once. I can do far more with Seymour than
a Black Republican. Now keep quiet and get your straps.
I am getting better — leg improving a little. Great
excitement here among ye people in relation to Fredericks-
burg aflFair. Don't be surprised to hear in a few days
that "Old Abe" has been forced to abdicate or change
his cabinet.

Regards to all. Yours,

A. Farnsworth.

New- York, Dec. 20th, 1862,

Saturday.
My own dear^ dear Son:

I have many times during the past week thought of
writing you, but I could not. Disaster, death, and the
sickness of distressing fears have kept me quiet, striving
for a firm trust and confidence in the mercy of God. My
mind has been greatly relieved on your account, by see-
ing in the Herald that Burns' Division, of which the 79th
formed a part, were not under fire, although they ren-
dered important service. Thanks and praise to Him
who has, I trust, again brought you safely through the

WAR LETTERS 253

perils of the battlefield. When the news of the repulse,
with the dreadful loss on our side, reached New- York,
gloom and despondency rested on all who had hearts to
feel for anything. The sickening list of dead and wounded
have been read over again and again, by mothers and
sisters with tears and groans. Fathers sink their heads
in anguish, and for all this distress and agony, we have
gained nothing. But my dear son, the Nation is now I
believe fully aroused, and the awful responsibility of this
dreadful slaughter must rest where it belongs. None
of our rulers, we hope and believe, will now escape the
searching ordeal, and though this thought brings little
consolation to the ** desolated hearth," yet for the brave
hearts still "battling for their country," it may bring
some cheer. I visited St. Vincent's Hospital yesterday
with your Aunt Maria, who is constantly doing good
from her abundant means to the sick and wounded sol-
diers. I talked with one poor fellow who had lost a leg,
and was lying weak and pale in bed. He was so uncom-
plaining, so cheerful, I looked and wondered. He was so
glad to get newspapers, he felt anxious about his brothers
in the army before Fredericksburg, he had looked over
the lists and their names were not there, and so he hoped
they were safe. I told him I had my anxieties too, I
had a dear son there, but so many days had passed I had
courage to hope now. I learnt a lesson by that bedside.
I am waiting, watching for letters from you. I feel that
good reasons of some kind prevent my hearing. Sam
and Wm. Elliott called to see me last Sunday evening,
but I was out, which I deeply regretted. Lilly saw
them, as they called first at our boarding-house, 24 West
31st Street. I am still on Murray Hill, but am going
into my own apartments early next week. Wm. Elliott

<suii he saw in Wastiin^nn: 2. picrmrr at Gsl jievqia
and ni5i ^radv ^uid as iie was huyinc <^uie txir inmseif he
ai«v hmi^r Mie thr msl whick he wouid sum hrmc en 11&
The likeness of ynu he saya is ^^exy i^mmL Dc Fllintc
has been rransTerred m die ieomd Hiawkins ZbiuEsres
and -vtil be in V. V.^ he rhink.^y vm\ rnnmirs longs:
I presume 7our Code will write yoa abmir ynur gtnpo*
<iinnn tn raise mnnev ^r the PfighJanrferg anithrm. He
^eems m be cnnsiiienng the marrpr> thougii he has sziii
lirrle «:ccept thar ic would be wdL and might gediags
be icxi^ if 70U cnuld cnme an vouracit We da not fee£
fhat the Hi^ianders^ aithoug{i a ^raiianc Ete^r ha^ve hesi
jusr or kind ro vocl We are pmud di the deeds af chat
g^llanr cnrps hnwe^er^ and if diey do you the juacoze
rhar is your due, I chink your friends would giadly asssc
fhem. Neilie is hurnnng me 90 I muse dose. OraHie
Johnson is engaged go 3i^&s Jo&a Wfase^ ssca^ to Dr.
Lee'i wife,

God bfe^s youy sny own dear no. If tlie prayers of
iiv^rher and aiders are indeed a ^lelcer, ours have nor
been m ^ain, May God guard, guide, be wkfa yoa
e^erpvheft^ is my cnnsrant cry to F&m. Unde P^ Aunt
\(,, NeHie, Thomas, Lilly, all unite in lo^^e to yoa azfid in
grarif ude to God for your preserration from danger.

Always my own dear, dear son, your very

Lo¥ing MOTHEK.

Ca3€P 3(ear Falmouth, Va.

Dec 7?nd, 1862.
My dear MrAher:

Since the late disastrous affair at Fredericksburg, as
httfjiftf I look in vain for some tidings from you. These
mk\\%\ A% for me, it is of less imponance, for the letters

WAR LETTERS 255

you write me will eventually reach me, but with you I
hope that long ere this, you may have had the pleasant
tidings of my safety throughout the late battle. Of that
fight I have not words to express my indignation. It was
so uncalled for. Not being a participant myself, only
an anxious witness, I can fully appreciate the terrible
character of the massacre. No one was more desirous
than I for an onward movement, but not for such an one.
The idea of an attempt directly in the front was scouted
at by those who professed to know, as sheer madness,
concerning which the result could not be doubtful. Yet
it was attempted, but at whose orders we cannot tell.
Rumors reach us of the resignation of Lincoln's Cabinet.
God grant this be true. We may fall into worse hands,
but there is the hope of something better. I have lost
faith in Halleck, and for this reason. Last summer I
wrote Walter I had cheered the last time for McClellan.
I did this on the authority of Gen. Halleck. Halleck was
an unsuccessful competitor of Stevens for the honors of
his class. At Newport News Halleck had an interview
with Stevens, the result of which I afterwards learned.
In this interview Halleck represented McClellan as solely
responsible for the misfortunes of the Peninsula; repre-
sented that McClellan had received everything from the
administration he had requested; that McClellan was
responsible for the division in his command, resulting in
the creation of McDowell's Department. This and much
else against McClellan, which Halleck's subsequent re-
port, and the revelations from the McDowell Court of
Inquiry, prove to have been base and malignant false-
hoods. Since then it has been my good fortune to have
been twice in battle under McClellan. How admirably
those battles were planned and executed, I, who have

156 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

seen so much mismanagement, so many defeats, know
best how to appreciate. Therefore I say, as I heard a
rebel officer once say "God bless old Stonewall Jackson,"

'^ ''God bless McQellan." We have had enough of Hal-
leck — and disgrace.

Mother, do not wonder that my loyalty is growing
weak. I love the Nation too well to willingly pardon
the " unfortunate Abraham Lincoln " as the London
Times so aptly calls him. With resources enough to
have long since ended the controversy, with resources
enough to end it before the opening of Spring, sixty years
will not end it if we are obliged to sustain the paltry
policy of the administration. I am sick and tired of

_ disaster, and the fools that bring disaster upon us. I
believe Bumside to be brave and honest, a good sol-
dier and worthy of honor, but I know that no one in this
country has a heartier esteem for McQellan than he.
No one bends more to McClellan than Gen. Burnside.
The President I doubt not is honest, but "let the shoe-
maker stick to the last." Let Lincoln turn his talents
to splitting rails. I prefer George McClellan to Abraham
Lincoln, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The
same energy, the same good-sense, the same foresight
exhibited by us that the South has shown, and the
rebellion is a dead letter. The same fatal disregard of
common sense on our part, and the Southern independence
is won. At least so I feel, and so I write strongly, who
so earnestly pray for the triumph of our cause.

I have just received your letter, and feel truly thank-
ful to learn you had heard of my safety previous to the
arrival of my own letter written the day after we recrossed
the Rappahannock. Day before yesterday I was on
picket, and saw several officers of the rebel service who

WAR LETTERS 257

came to our lines under a flag of truce. One of them
who came from near Atlanta, told me he knew Alfred
Tyler; that it was a mistake that Alfred was on Gen.
Lawton's staff; that, on the contrary, he still was em-
ployed on the Macon and Atlanta R. R., and was reputed
to be one of the truest supporters of the Southern move-
ment in his district. The same officer, Capt. McBride,
appeared to know enough of Tyler's family and family
affairs to make his statement worthy of credit. The same
officer further told me that among the brave officers of his
army that fell at Fredericksburg, was Henry Lord King,
whom you will remember was an old admirer of Sarah
Phelps. King fell, pierced by nine minie balls, in the
attack made on our left (Franklin's Division). Mor-
rison professes to be a strong supporter of mine now.
He says that there had been so much intriguing in the
Regiment, that he suspected me for some time, but my
action with regard to More has fully satisfied him, and
he professes himself anxious to serve me in any way.
What the professions are worth I have yet to learn.

Give my best, my dearest love to my sisters. Tell
Uncle Phelps that I leave my proposition to be settled
according to his judgment, and with best love to him and
all my friends, I remain.

Your afFec. son, W. T. Lusk.

Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.

Dec. 23d, 1862.

My dear Mother:

Time slips by without much to break the monotony
of the hour, but still it slips by rapidly. We had a re-
view to-day. Gen. Sumner being the reviewing officer.

258 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

One of his staff, a Major Crosby, stopped to say to
me that he understood I was a Norwich boy, and, a
Norwich boy himself, he would be happy if I would call
on him. Do you know who he is? I do not as a rule
cultivate acquaintances much; it is so mortifying to be
in a subordinate position. I cannot bear to be patron-
ized, and my position subjects me to the annoyance.
Surely, people have a right to argue, when the most com-
mon of tradesmen are found worthy of the highest and
most responsible military posts without an hour's prepa-
ration, this fellow, who boasts of being an educated
gentleman, must be poor stuff indeed, if, after eighteen
months service, he finds himself unable to command as
good a position as he did a half year ago. McDonald
says it is a long road without any turn to it, but I begin
to feel my military ambition satisfied. I would be so
glad if I could only return to my medical studies. I
know when I left home I acted contrary to the advice
of all my friends.^ Until now, pride forbade my acknowl-
edging myself in the wrong, but stung and humiliated, I
make my confession now. Many a time I have seen old
school friends from RusselKs (who in old times felt proud
to claim me as an acquaintance) pass me, high in rank
and proud of manner, and I have turned away my head.
I could not bear the thought of their recognizing me less
\honored than themselves. I am not often unhappy, for
I have already written that few officers of any rank in
the Army Corps enjoy as many privileges as are accorded
to me. To say the least I meet a cordial welcome every-
where, from the Headquarters of the Commanding
General down. Still at times I cannot help feeling half
sickened at the mortifying position in which I am placed.

^ He enli&ted in the rankty being unwilling to wait for a Commission. (Cf. p. 115.)

WAR LETTERS 259

When in active service, in the presence of the enemy, I
am never troubled with such thoughts, but in camp a man
has too much time in which to think. If the troops go
into winter quarters, I do not think I will be able to
endure this state of things until Spring. I must return to
my medical studies again. Why, the most humble coun-
try practitioner is more respectable than I, a despised
soldier^i found unworthy of honors which the commonest
shoemaker wears with grace. I do not forget how
anxious my friends have been to serve me, how earn-
estly they have labored and are laboring for me. But
is not that mortifying too — ^to feel that, after all, you must
owe all advancement not to your own merits, but to the
influence of your friends i My dear mother, you must
feel that in writing this I am only telling my griefs, as one
may tell them to one*s mother, and, having told them,
find relief.

I do so wish I might come home. I am weak as a
child now. To-morrow I will be stronger, and will regret
this that I have written, yet I shall send it for all that.
I shall send it because merely to tell one*s troubles to a
sympathizing friend, deprives them of their chief bitter-
ness. I do not know if it be true, but I understand that
the telegraphic despatch to Walter for my Commission
was a piece of sharp practice that did not emanate from
Gov. Morgan. That, however, is a matter that is past,
and hardly, perhaps, to be regretted.

Give my best love to the dear friends around you, and
believe me.

Very affec*y..
Your son,

W. T. LusK.

26o WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

New-York, Dec. 30th, '62.

24 West 31 St.
My own dear Son:

... I received your very sad letter last night. I
sympathize sincerely, and do not wonder that you feel
sick and disheartened. However, I trust the spirit of
gloom which oppressed you when you wrote, has passed
by, and the brave spirit of my own boy is aroused again.
Never call yourself a " despised soldier." Neglected
you have been, and we all feel it most cruelly, but "des-
pised," never.

No name is mentioned with greater respect than yours,
about none is more indignation felt by friends than about
you. Your career has been a marked and peculiar one;
high titles now are no mark of merit. Gov. Buckingham
said to me in the cars on my way to New York, " I want
a Colonel now. I know of no one who would fill the posi-
tion half as well as your son, and yet, with the desire, I
cannot give it to him." So it goes — some town-clerk
or petty lawyer, having stayed at home far from a sol-
dier's dangers, watches, waits, and the first opportunity
steps into the soldier's honors. Mr. John Tappan who
has no particular friends in the army, says he always
draws the inference if a man is promoted, he doesn't
deserve it — he has seen so few really meritorious officers
treated well. I think he goes too far and do not myself
wholly agree with him, still I think there is a great lack
of justice. ... It was certainly a great piece of self-
sacrifice in you to sign a paper requesting the majority
to be given to another, when you knew it had been prom-
ised you. I admire the valor of your regiment, and, as
Elliott says, "you c^n refuse to fight a duel now, having

WAR LETTERS 261

fought in the 79th." ... I should be extremely glad
my dear son, to see you again at your books, if you can
return honorably. You say you entered the army against
the advice of your friends. Very true, my dear child,
God knows how hard the struggle was to me, God knows
how much I often now endure, yet through everything I
feel comfort, nay pride, that my son's motives are pure
and conscientious. Well, the New Year is close at hand.
May it open brightly for you, my own dear son. For
some reason you have been preserved through many and
great dangers. He who guarded has still work for His
servant to do, so be of good cheer, you will not be for-
saken. By-and-by you will look back on your humilia-
tions and say, "They were hard, but they have done me
good." Beside, I can only acknowledge your disappoint-
ments. A soldier, a true man, is never humiliated by
the performance of right. And yet your letter touched
a responsive chord which vibrates now, for through the
whole I recognize myself. May God bless you my own
dear son, and grant you His assistance. . . .
You could not be dearer to the heart of

Your loving

Mother.

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

Dec. 31st, 1862.

My dear Sister Lillie:

I have just received your letter, and am much troubled
to hear that mother has been ill. As you were intend-
ing to write me on New Year's eve, I have concluded
to write you in turn, knowing it to be all one, whether

262 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I write you or mother. I am specially disposed to write
to-night as I feel very good-natured. I am not troubled
for the moment, either with the goadings of disappointed
ambition, the peculiarities of Scotchmen, the inclemency
of the weather, or even with **the unfortunate Abraham
Lincoln." In a word, I am determined to be good-
humored in bidding farewell to the old year, notwith-
standing it is responsible (either it, or the aforesaid
Abraham) for so many disasters. If all the hopes so fondly
entertained at the beginning of the year have not been
realized, we know at least that Providence doeth all
things well, if not exactly as man would have it.

The Highlanders mean to celebrate the New Year,
as the accompanying card will show. Turkeys, hams,
tongues, bread and butter and a bowl of punch will be
furnished to visitors, and we hope they may be many.
But pleasantest of all. Hall is coming to visit me, bring-
ing with him a Dr. Hubbard of his regiment — an Uncle
of pretty little Mary Chittenden. If we don't have a
good time, then I'll hang up my sword on a willow tree,
but you will have to wait until the second inst. for par-
ticulars. I had a good time Christmas too, and only
regret you should have spent it so quietly. You see I
raised a pair of ducks and rode up with them tied to my
saddle to Stafford C. H. (ten miles), found Hall, eat the
ducks (with Hall's assistance), gossiped, and made very
merry, though I had so recently written home repre-
senting myself so very miserable. Yesterday I made
Major Crosby of the list C. V. a visit, and found that
I U3ed to go to school with him to old Peltis up-town.
We had a right good time of it. His heart so warmed
toward me finally, that he brought out a loaf of cake made
by his wife's fair fingers — good cake it was too. Speaking

• *

WAR LETTERS 263

of cake reminds me that the Chaplain, my tent companion,
has just received a cake from his sweetheart. Oh these
sweethearts! Chaplain receives every mail pretty pink
notes which he likes to be joked about. He likes the
cake too.

Hall thinks I have grown dreadfully unrefined. I
smoke a pipe and eat onions. Horrible, isn't it i Would
you really like your brother at home, who can do such
dreadful things i I can't come. I've tried, but Rhad-
amanthus, that is Old Bull Sumner, is adamant, and
bids me wait until I catch swamp fever or lose a leg,
when I will be able to return with flying colors. I tried
in fact to take the Bull by the horns, and that's what I
got for my pains. Dear me, I'm growing older every
day, so you can imagine how old I shall be when I get
home.

Well, sister Lillie, I would" try and be sentimental in
view of New Year's Eve, but that could hardly be looked
for in a man that eats onions. But may many blessings
rest on both my sisters, my mother and the little ones that
are dear to us all. True love between you and Tom,
between Hunt and Mary, deepening not weakening at
each successive return of the New Year.

Had I my six months' pay, and twenty days to spend
at home, how I would make things fly around.

Again love to mother. Uncle Phelps, Aunt Maria,
Nellie, Tom, friends individually, collectively, and in
bulk.

AfFec'y. your brother.

Will.

264 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

24 West 31st Street,

Sunday, Jan. 4th, 1863.
My own dear Son:

I went to hear Mr. Prentiss this morning, and was
deeply affected and impressed by his New Year's ser-
mon. Thomas and Lilly having gone to church this
afternoon, I take advantage of this quiet hour to write a
few words to you. We are anxiously awaiting the final
result of the battle in Tennessee. It has involved another
fearful loss of life; another "army of martyrs" have
shed their blood, we trust Oh, God! not in vain. The
Emancipation Proclamation too has been issued, and now
we wait for the events which crowd so heavily, we trust
to a final end. The Monitor has foundered off Cape
Hatteras, another calamity to mourn over. We take
victories as a matter of course without much elation,
but defeats or humiliation in any form we cannot bear.
I hoped to have received a letter from you yesterday but
did not. Your last letter to me was written on the 23d.
Elliott told me he heard that Col. Farnsworth had re-
signed. Is it true ? I hope you approve of the Procla-
mation. It seems to me it strikes at the root of the evil.
Dr. Grant says, although it beggars his family at the South,
he thinks it wise and just. Mr. Riley who was bom in a
slave country (S. A.), says he thinks it is the first blow which
has given much alarm to the rebels. There is an idea
that it is an obnoxious measure to the soldiers, and those
hostile to the Administration foster the notion and
strive to spread it. Many prayers for Abraham Lincoln
have been offered up to-day, that he may be guided aright,
and having acted in the fear of God, that all other fears
may be quieted, and he may be strengthened for his

WAR LETTERS 265

great responsibilities. I heard a young man say, at our
table to-day, that democratic clubs were forming about
the city to prevent drafting. I heard another say that
Gen. Dix had been appointed Military Governor of the
State of New-York. The times are indeed turbulent
and stormy, and none can prophecy as to the future, and
yet a stranger in New- York would scarcely believe that
we were a nation struggling through appalling trials.
The streets are as gay as ever, public amusements as
much frequented, and our gayest shops are filled with
ladies spending money profusely. The hospitals how-
ever tell a tale different indeed.

5th. I have received a letter this morning from Mary,
very bright and cheerful. She writes: "Yesterday was
quite a day of rejoicing here over the President's Procla-
mation. The Mayor (Lloyd Greene) ordered the bells
to be rung, and cannons to be fired." Nearly all in this
house where we are boarding are Southern people, or
Southern sympathizers. I am very quiet and seldom
make any remark. A Baltimore gentleman remarked
to me the other day, " I do not believe you are an Aboli-
tionist, you don't look like one." I merely replied "Ah .?"
A lady sitting opposite me said "I have seen the meanest
Yankees, they are all so mean." As she looked at me,
I drew up and answered, "You are unfortunate. I, on
the contrary, have met many a noble-hearted Yankee."
"Oh!" said she, "so have I. I was born in New
England." So it goes.

Well, the morning is passing rapidly away, and I have
to go down to the Everett House to see Mrs. Tyler. The
morning is charming. I hope you are enjoying it. Your
last letter was sad, it was written with a sick heart, so I
long anxiously for another. I do not think an hour passes,

266 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

when I am awake, that my thoughts are not with you.
Lilly unites with me in dearest love to you. We are all
so anxious to see you, sometimes I fancy I hear your step
approaching, but it is only fancy after all.

Good-bye my own dear son, may God bless and guide
you.

Very lovingly,

Mother.

Kind regards from all to Dr. McDonald.

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

Jan. 5th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

My letters seem very long in reaching you. The one
I sent the day before Christmas, containing a little money
which I hoped would contribute to the children's happi-
ness on New Year, had not come to hand on the 31st, yet
I had hoped it might precede the rather dolorous docu-
ment written only the evening before, but which, of
course, wouldn't be overtaken. To tell the truth, I was
not a little ashamed at having been so querulous. I
do not like the habit of complaining, and do not mean
often to indulge in it, but the best of our guardian angels
cannot always resist the attacks of those emissaries of
Satan — the cooks.

Col. Farnsworth, it is said, will soon rejoin his Regi-
ment. It is still a matter of doubt though, whether his
physical health will permit him to remain long. Besides
the natural effects of his wound, he is much paralyzed
I understand, from severe neuralgia. Be this as it may, I
am very sorry for him, and shall welcome him back with
pleasure. Farnsworth, McDonald and myself enjoy

WAR LETTERS 267

about an equal degree of popularity in the Regiment.
Since writing the last sentence my opinion has been
somewhat modified by the arrival of the mail. Farns-
worth sends a certificate of disability looking for a further
extension of his "leave of absence." This is indefen-
sible. The law allows disabled officers two months to
recover. F. has had four months already, and looks
for a further postponement of his return. I have also
received your letter bearing date Jan. 2d, and see how
much harm I did by indulging in a little fit of spleen. I
do not see the slightest hope or prospect of either a short
leave of absence, or of promotion, neither of which little
matters do I intend shall disturb my equanimity in the
slightest degree. To be sure my associations are not
always agreeable, but when I entered the service had I
any reason to hope they would be ? I certainly enjoy
more favor than any line officer in the ist Division. This
ought to suffice. Again I am losing years that ought to
be spent in fitting me for my profession. Well, what of
that i Shall I at this late hour begin to count the cost
of doing my duty ? No mother, we both know that this
matter must be pushed through to the end. I am not
of so much value as to complain of having to bear
my part. To hear me talk, one would suppose I was
the only one who fancies himself unjustly used. Bah!
The army is filled with them. Possibly twenty years hence
I shall be grumbling because my professional skill is not
properly appreciated. It is hard for disappointed men
to believe the fault lies in themselves. Yet such things
do happen. I shall be obliged to postpone my Christ-
mas remembrances to you until the paymaster (invisible
now for six months) shall visit us.

Very affectionately, Will.

268 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Camp near Falmouth, Va.

Jan. i6th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

We have orders to march to-morrow. I cannot say
whether we will positively do so, but it is certainly in-
tended that we move very shortly.

I do not know whether the movement is intended as
an advance, or whether it is proposed, as was the case a
couple of weeks ago, to fall back on Washington. It is
generally supposed that the first will be the case. I am
glad for anything like a movement, and I trust that this
time we may have a successful encounter with the enemy.
But oh, I do trust too, that, should I come unharmed
out of whatever dangers are before me, I will be able
to get out of this Regiment. I do not want any further
connection with foreigners. I would almost prefer never
to come out alive from this campaign, if it is only to
prolong the present disagreeable associations.

No matter though, I am always content when actually
in motion. The thought of being really able to contribute
something, however little, to the Cause, is then dominant,
and I can afford to forget the more selfish feelings that
I cannot repress in camp. This letter must be short,
for I am pressed for time.

Good-bye. God bless you all. All will be for the
best. If we are to fight, pray God to give us victory.

AflFec'y-, Will.

The "Mud Campaign." Burnside succeeded by Hooker

"^^h Highlanders,^* pp. 268 and 269.

"Nothing of any importance occurred after the New Year celebration
till the 20th. . . . The failure of the December assault had not shaken

WAR LETTERS 269

the faith of the Government in Bumside's ability, and he finally deter-
mined on crossing" (the Rappahannock River) "by Banks' Ford, some
five miles above the city, with the bulk of his army, and attacking the
enemy in flank and rear, while the Ninth corps should cross in front
of the city and assault Marye's Heights.

" On the morning of the 20th, Franklin's and Hooker's troops began
their march to the appointed rendezvous . . . But the promise of fair
weather which the morning gave, proved delusive, for at sundown the
clouds began to gather, and before midnight one of the worst storms
we had ever experienced broke over us. The troops on the road were
obliged to endure the pitiless rain without shelter, and when morning of
the 2 1 St broke, the mud was so deep that it was nearly impossible to
move wagons or artillery. We had been ordered out before daylight,
but almost immediately the order was countermanded and we returned
to our tents. The movement of troops was suspended, and later in the
day came the orders for them to return to their former quarters; but it
was several days before the artillery could be moved. On the 22d the
rebel pickets amused themselves at our expense, by placing sign-boards
along their bank, with the inscription 'Bumside Stuck in the Mud.'
Thus began and ended the 'Mud Campaign.' . . . This last failure
caused a prolonged howl from the military critics of the North, and
Bumside's 'Mud Campaign' was the subject of jest for both pen
and pencil, from one end of the land to the other. After the defeat of
December, Bumside had tendered his resignation; it was now renewed,
but the President preferred to retain his services in the field, and merely
relieved him from the command of the Army of the Potomac, and placed
Major-Gen. Joseph Hooker in that unenviable position."

24 West 31st Street,

New- York, Jan. i8th, 1863.
My own dear Son:

I hope my letters reach you more regularly than yours
do me, for I write faithfully, and have great pleasure in
the thought that my written words keep you connected
with, and interested in, the events transpiring at home.
A rumor was in circulation last night, that the rebels had
crossed the Rappahannock and that our army were
fighting their way back to Washington. A young man
told me also last night, that a gentleman just arrived from
Bumside's Army, told him it was owing entirely to Lee's

270 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

humanity that our forces escaped entire annihilation after
the battle of Fredericksburg. Don't think we credit
such absurdities; I only show how secession s)7npathizers
spread reports. The story is this: Lee seeing the danger
of our army, and being humane and generous, sent to
Bumside, oflPering him six hours to depart peacefully,
which Bumside of course gladly accepted. New- York
is full of Southern people in full sympathy with the South,
bitter in word and action, and my blood often boils with
indignation though I keep usually a quiet tongue. The
news of our Western \'ictories, and the intercepted rebel
correspondence, make them rather more spicy than usual.
You will see the disgraceful proceedings about the elec-
tion of a Speaker in Albany. The Republicans behave
far better than the Democrats. Oh! I am sick. I have
been in the house a week with a cold, and I long again
for fresh air and freedom. We had a pleasant call yester-
day from Abby and Carrie Woolsey. Their brother is
on the staff of Gen. Seth Williams who is one of Bum-
side's staff. Carrie said she should write him to try and
see you, as she thought you might find it pleasant to
meet.

To-morrow evening we are going to meet a few friends
at Mrs. Oilman's. Mrs. Perkins (Tom's Mother) is
there on a visit. I am sorry you see no hope of a fur-
lough or promotion. I do not know how things progress
here, but I do know Mr. Phelps is still actively at work.
The party in power is somewhat opposed to enlistments,
or rather does not encourage them. However the Military
Department will control that matter I suppose in future.

Jane and Georgie Woolsey are nursing in a hospital
near Newport. A corps of ladies acting under the direc-
tion of the Surgeon-General, takes charge of the depart-

WAR LETTERS 271

ment of the very sick, giving their time and their means
to this noble object. Georgie assisted a good deal in
the Peninsular Campaign. It is refreshing to meet a
whole family so devoted to one cause. Miss Kitty Elliott
wants to do something of the same kind, and if I had
strength I would not hesitate for one moment, but I am
too nervous and good for nothing.

General McClellan is living in a new house next to
us. The house was presented him by some of his friends.
Q)usin Henry and Louisa have just been in to tell me
that they heard through Dr. McDonald that you had
applied for a furlough on the 13th, and would probably
get it. Can it be possible ? I cannot believe such joy
is in store for me.

Good-bye, God grant us strength to bear, and thank-
ful hearts for all his mercies.

Very lovingly.

Mother.

79th Regiment,

Camp near Falmouth, Va.,

Jan. 20th, 1863.

My dear Mother:

Yesterday I wrote Walter and was not a little despon-
dent; to-day we are told that the auspicious moment
has arrived. To-morrow we are once more to meet the
enemy. All gloomy forebodings engendered by the idle-
ness of camp-life, have vanished before the prospect of
impending action. My heart is as light as a feather.
Hope is dominant, and I can think only of the glorious
result if we are victorious. The gloom that now rests
on our country will be lifted, and I already hear citizens

272 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

repeating with joyous lips: "We are victorious. Not in
vain have been our sacrifices. We are proud of the army
we have created/' Let then all tongues be hushed that
cannot join in the glad paeans of victory. I will not think
of defeat. If God is gracious, and granteth success to
our arms, let the voice of selfishness be hushed, let
there be no house of mourning. Let even mothers say
we have given gladly the dearest thing we possessed to
win the Nation's rest. I have borne, dear mother, a
charmed life, heretofore. Even when conversing with
comrades on the battlefield, death has singled them out,
and left me unscathed, left me to witness the peril of the
nation. What then if now the charm be broken, and
my last moments be cheered with the thought of the
Nation saved. Then let my mother and those that love
me rejoice as I would in the full tide of victory. But
should we triumph, and I live to see the end, think of the
rapture we all would feel, to think that to a poor worm
like me had been vouchsafed the terrors of death, and at
this cheap price, been spared to view the glories of sal-
vation to our country. Then think how sweet would be
mother's or sister's kiss, or the glad welcome of trusted
friends. But living, or fallen among the chosen, I trust
if the tidings of victory be heard, all who love me will
wear their gayest colors and cheeriest smiles, in the joy
at the success of the cause in which the loved one re-
joiced to risk his all. With such parting words I can go
without a tremor into battle, and fear nothing where God
ruleth Supreme.

You remember a year ago I wrote you I had had my
likeness taken. Yesterday the impression reached me.
I enclose you one now, and will send you by a convenient
opportunity quite a number more. I have grown a good

WAR LETTERS 273

deal older since then, but you must take that for granted
until I can find an opportunity to show you how the
latest edition of your son looks. I will send likewise
some views of the battlefield of Antietam, concerning
which I will have strange stories to tell when the war is
closed, and peace fairly, honorably won.

AfFecy, Will.

(W. E. DosTER TO W. T. Lusk)

Washington, Jan. 19th, 1863.
My dear Lusk:

Yours was received this morning. I spread myself
on the subject of unrequited merit accordingly and went
in person to the War Department. Asst. Secy. Watson
promised to let me have it to-morrow, but as you are
impatient I write to-night. Of course it must receive
the approbation of Stanton also, but altogether you have
good reason to hope.

Very truly,

Meanwhile,

DosTER.

79th Highlanders,

Camp near Falmouth, Va.,

Jan. 27th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

I have not written either you or other friends to whom
I am indebted in an epistolary, for some little time past,
because I sincerely cherished the hope that a short leave
of absence was at length about to be granted me. As
a last card I wrote to Doster to try what he could do
for me in Washington. I immediately received a reply

274 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

from him to the effect that he had applied to the War
Department and that I might hope for the coveted "leave"
the next day. That was more than a week ago, so I sup-
pose I have had my usual ill-luck, and have nothing more
to hope for. Morrison becomes more afiable and an-
noying every day. He cannot forgive me the fright I
gave him in regard to the Majority. Fear of American
influence in the Regiment is" his great Bug-a-boo. He
watches me like a cat, and I suppose will catch me at
something one of these days, which will serve as a pre-
text for disgracing me. Then he will talk hypocritically
of his great regard and fondness for me, but that he is a
soldier and must do his duty. Nothing can exceed the
sweetness and amiability of the gentleman toward those
he particularly dislikes. Bah ! Why should I trouble you
with these things ? I do not doubt that at best your own
fond fears make things out much worse than they really
are. I hope I may soon see Sam here. He wrote me he
intended running down. I should feel delighted to see
him.

I wish I could ascertain something positive regarding
the new Regiment. If it is not going to succeed, I would
try and get something in the line of my profession pro-
vided for me. However I hate to back down, as I re-
solved at the outset that, for the period of the war, I
would serve in any capacity Providence might find best,
only reserving my intention to induce Providence to be
as pliable as possible.

Joe Hooker commands the army of the Potomac.
Everybody appears entirely indifi^erent to the matter.
Heroes of many defeats, we are not inclined to give
gratuitous confidence to anyone. Whoever finally suc-
ceeds any better than McClellan did, has a fine chance

WAR LETTERS 275

for immortality. The army of the Potomac is splendid
in material, and once taught that their best efforts are
not to be wasted, they will tell for themselves a splen-
did story. With McClellan they did best, because they
believed that his plans contained all that human skill was
capable of. Every new General will be splendidly sup-
ported in his first battle. If the battle end in another
Golgotha, the old cry will be raised, "McClellan, or a
new man!" Sumner and Franklin, piqued, it is reported
are about to withdraw likewise. So, peaceful revolu-
tions are occurring in the Army. Let us pray, and hope for
the best. Possibly we are adopting the right course to
find the right man, possibly the right course to insure
our ruin. If Burnside was not a Napoleon, he was a
first-rate soldier, and in a subordinate position can do
splendid service to the country. Alas! Good-bye.

Affec'y., Will,

(W. E. DosTER TO W. T. Lusk)

Headquarters Provost Marshal's Office

Washington, Jan. 27th, 1863.
My dear Lusk:

I have received yours of Jan. 24th and gone to see
Stanton about it for the third time. He answers that
until it is certain that the army is not going to move, he
cannot give you leave, but that you deserve one, of all
officers, and that in three or four days he will know
whether you can be spared. So cheer up old fellow,
rU hang on and make life a ... to him until he
does. . . . {Corner of letter torn off)

Very truly,

W. E. Doster.

276 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

(Ethan Allen to I. N. Phelps)

New-York, Jan. 27th, 1863.
Mr. I. N. Phelps
Dear Sir:
I am not only willing, but anxious to secure the services
of Capt. W. T. Lusk of the 79th Regiment, as Lt.-Col. of
the Regiment I am now organizing in this dty. It
not being my design to lead the Regt. when raised, I
appoint Capt. Lusk with the view of his ultimately com-
manding the Regiment which I think bids fair to be
completed at no very distant day. If Capt. Lusk can
be relieved from his present duties in the army, and be
permitted to fill the position in which it is my desire to
place him, I am sure the change will be of service both
to himself and to the country.

Your obedient servant,

Ethan Allen,

Colonel Blair Light Infaniryy 3^ R^gt^f

Merchants Brigade.

New- York, Jan. 29th, 1863.
My own dear Son:

I enclose a copy of a letter received by your Uncle
Phelps from Col. Allen. Mr. Phelps has been so good,
so kind, so faithful to you and your interests, I can
scarcely feel grateful enough. Now, he wishes me to
lay before you the following facts for your consideration,
and as a guide for your decision. Col. Allen says he
has recruited about three hundred men, but owing to
desertions he has only one hundred and fifty in camp,
with the promise of two hundred more recruited by
someone else, whom he may or may not receive. After
receiving this letter Mr. Phelps went to Ex-Gov. Morgan

WAR LETTERS 277

who is in the city, and requested him to write and ask
Gov. Seymour to grant a furlough. Gov. M. said it
would be of no use, as Gov. S. had no power; it was for
him to give Commissions, and the War Department to
make transfers. He (Gov. M.) however instructed his
Secretary to write Col. Farnsworth requesting him to
make an application, or assist you all in his power
to get a furlough. The Gov. didn't know as the Regt.
could be raised, and if it were. Gov. S. might perhaps
appoint another Col., and he was so desponding that
Mr. Phelps who had felt elated at your prospects, was
so disappointed that he said to me, "I could have cried."
Then, Mr. Phelps met Mr. S. B. Chittenden who said to
him, "From all I hear of the talents of this young man,
I think in the reorganization of the Army he will be pro-
moted, which will be better than being troubled with this
new Regt." So you perceive, Mr. Phelps having your
interests so near his heart, scarcely knows how to advise,
except to get a furlough if possible, come on, judge for
yourself, and make your own decision. Col. Allen says,
every day almost, ten or fifteen apply at his office, but
finding they are not authorized to give bounties, refuse
to enlist. There is a bill now before the U. S. Senate
for the encouragement of enlistments, offering bounties.
I have told all these facts, and now leave the matter to
your consideration. If you wish the Lt. -Colonelcy, I sup-
pose you can have it at any time. Your own military
experience makes you the most competent judge. Col.
Allen wants you, and he thinks if bounties are offered,
the Regt. will be full in four weeks. I cannot advise,
but I pray God to guide you aright. God bless you my
own dear son. Always,

Very Lovingly, Mother.

278 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

There are others pressing for the Lt .-Colonelcy, so as
soon as you decide you had better write to your Uncle
Phelps. Mayor Opdyke has a friend, somebody else, one
of the Military Committee, also has a friend, but Col.
Allen prefers you if you choose to accept.

[Regarding a Furlough for Capt. Lusk, on his

BEING tendered THE LlEUT.-CoLONELCY OF THE

Blair Light Infantry]

54 & 56 Exchange Place,

New- York, Jan. 28th, 1863.

CoL. Addison Farnsworth,

Brooklyn.

Colonel:

The Lieutenant-Colonelcy of a regiment of N. Y. S.
Volunteers now in process of organization has, I am in-
formed, been tendered to Capt. Lusk of the 79th.

Before resigning his position in the 79th, Capt. Lusk
desires to visit New- York for the purpose of ascertaining
what the prospects of the completion of the new regiment
are, and, therefore, desires a furlough for a few days.
If it is in your power to grant him leave of absence I
shall be pleased to have you do so. If you have not the
power, please forward this application to the proper
officer and oblige.

Yours respectfully,

E. D. Morgan.

/ <

WAR LETTERS 279

Brooklyn, N. Y. Jan. 31st, 1863.

Respectfully referred to Lt.-Col. Morrison commanding
79th N. Y. V. with the request that, inasmuch as Capt.
Lusk has been tendered the position of Lt.-Col. of a
regiment now organizing, he will favorably endorse an
application for that officer for a leave of absence.

A. Farnsworth,

Col 7gth N. r. V.

[Request of William C. H. Waddell, John J. Cisco,
AND Colonel A. Farnsworth, that Capt. Wil-
liam T. LusK OF the 79TH Highlanders be
Granted leave of Absence with a View of
his Attaining Command of Col. Allen's Regi-
ment]

New- York, Jan. 31st, 1863.

Governor desires that General Sprague will reply to
this note.

His Ex'cy. Horatio Seymour,

Governor of the State of New- York, &c., &c.
Sir:

A regiment of infantry is now being organized in this
neighborhood under the temporary command of Col.
Ethan Allen. It is deemed desirable that Capt. Wm. T.
Lusk of the 79th Highlanders (now in the field from this
State) should obtain a leave of absence with a view of
his attaining the Command of this Regt., Col. Allen
wishing to retire. We are anxious at the request of the
friends of Capt. Lusk, who is a very deserving and meri-
torious officer, to procure him a leave of absence for a

28o WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

limited period from his present position, and beg your
Excellency to aid us in an application to the War Depart-
ment towards the accomplishment of that end. This
is also at Col.* Allen's request.
With high regard, we are,

Your Obt. Servants,

Wm. Coventry H. Waddell.

* Ethan Allen, ColoncL

I fully concur in the recommendation of Mr. Waddell.

John J. Cisco.

As Capt. Lusk has been tendered the position of Lieut.-
Colonel of a regiment now organizing in this State, his
presence here is desirable. I sincerely hope, therefore,
that he may be granted a leave of absence.

A. Farnsworth,*

Col 7gih N. r. V.

*Col. F. is absent from his Regt. at present in consequence of a wound and ill
health.

Respectfully transmitted to the Adjutant-General with
a request that, if consistent, a leave of absence may be
granted for the purpose mentioned.
Hd. Qrs. Albany, N. Y.
Feb. 8th, 1863.

I. T. Sprague, J J jt. -General.

A. G. Office. Feby. nth, 1863.

(636. V. 4) Respectfully returned to the Governor of
New- York. The rules of the Dept. do not admit of the
leave being granted. When the Command is organized,
this officer will be discharged for promotion, if the request
be then made by the Governor.

By order of the Sec'y. of War,
Thomas M. Vincent,

Asst. Adjt.-Genl.

WAR LETTERS 281

[Request for a Pass from the Secretary of War,
Permitting Lt.-Col. Lusk to Return to the
Scene of Conflict]

Office of the District Attorney of the United
States, for the Southern District of New-
York.

New- York, May 4th, 1863.
Honorable Montgomery Blair,
My dear Sir:
This will introduce to you Wm. T. Lusk, Lt.-Col. of
the *' Blair Light Infantry" now organizing in this city.
Col. Lusk can't rest easily here while the battle is raging
around Fredericksburg. He therefore desires to reach
the battlefield, that he may tender his services as Volunteer
Aidey so long as active operations continue, and then re-
turn to his duties here. With this motive, he desires a
pass from the Sec. of War, to the scene of conflict. Col.
Lusk has been two years in service, was for a long time
Aide to the late Gen. Stevens, has been in many battles,
and I believe he loves to fight. He is a gentleman in
character and culture, and a soldier by practice and
experience. If you can aid him to obtain the pass he
desires, I shall be very much obliged.

Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,

Ethan Allen.

Mr. Watson would oblige me by favoring the wishes
of Col. Lusk.

Truly,

M. Blair.
P. H. Watson,

282 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Coleman's Eutaw House,

Baltimore, June 19th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

Here I am in Baltimore in safety, neither able to go
forward, nor willing to turn back. As yet, all communi-
cation with Harper's Ferry is cut off, but the position
Hooker now occupies is such as will enable him soon to
include the Ferry within his lines, so I am stopping quietly
at the Eutaw House, but almost momentarily expecting
to hear from Col. Piatt that the cars will once more be
in running order. Probably this will be before the day
is over, and I trust I may be able to be of some use. Don't
be alarmed though, I am not going to attempt anything
Quixotic, so, if the opportunity does not soon come I
shall return, and proceed to Simsbury.

I have nothing special to say, beyond wishing to set
your mind at rest. The 7th Regiment arrived here yes-
terday, and makes a fine appearance. Will soon write a
more interesting letter, to be dated either from Maryland
Heights or Simsbury.

Good-bye. Love to all.

Very afFec'y.,

W. T. LusK.

Maryland Heights, June 20th, 1863.

My dear Mother:

I left Baltimore this morning in company with Mr.
Starkweather (who will bring you this) and Dr. Carlton,
formerly of the i8th C. V. The cars took us as far as
the Point of Rocks, and from there we were obliged to
proceed afoot. Frightful stories of rebel cavalry along
the route were prevalent, but we reached Harper's Ferry
in safety, finding that the only dangers were those con-

WAR LETTERS 283

jured up by the foolish fears of some of Milroy's scared
troops. The distance from the Point of Rocks was about
twelve miles, so I feel a little tired to-night. The General
gave me a most cordial welcome and assured me my
services could be of great use. I am to be installed at
once into my old position of A. A. General, and trust I
may be able to perform the duties of the position satis-
factorily. Ned looks well and finds plenty to do. I have
never seen General Tyler looking in better health. I
think the responsibility imposed upon him does him good.
He has been doing a great deal since here, and feels happy
at really accomplishing something more congenial than
attending courts-martial. I am well, doing first rate,
and am very glad to serve at this time. Have not been
here long enough to understand much about the military
aspect of affairs.

Most afFec'y.,

Will.

''War of the Rebellion^' Series /, FoL XXVIL
Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Part II, Page 2^.

Record of Brigadier-General Dan, Tyler,

HEADqUARTERS, MARYLAND HeIGHTS, June I9, 1 863.

"From information gleaned from the country people and our scouts,
no force exceeding 8,000 to 10,000 men had crossed the Potomac. Mary-
land Heights is now good against this force. Lieutenant-Colonel Wm. T.
Lusk, formerly aide-de-camp to Major-General Stevens, having heard
that I was at Maryland Heights and without any staff, left New-York
on the 14th instant, and arrived at Maryland Heights at 6 p.m. on the
19th instant, having walked from Point of Rocks, and oflFered his ser-
vices as a volunteer aide-de-camp, or for any other post where he could
render any service. The arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Lusk was very
opportune, as he had experience as a staff officer, having been at Port
Royal and in Virginia on the staff of Major-General Stevens up to that
officer's death, and will enable me to relieve Captain WoodhuU whom

284 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

I borrowed from Major-General Schenck's staff, and whom the General
has telegraphed to return to him as soon as possible. I shall recom-
mend Lieutenant-Colonel Lusk for the appointment of Assistant Ad-
jutant-General, which, in the expectation of aaive service, he is willing
to accept until the campaign is finished, and from necessity shall put him
on duty accordingly."

[After the Battle of Gettysburg (July i, 2, and
3, 1863) AND THE Surrender of Vicksburg
(July 4, 1863)]

Headquarters Delaware Department,

Wilmington, Del., July 7th, 1863.

Deary dear Cousin Lou:

I said I would write you so soon as the full puqport of
the good news was ascertained. And now that it has all
broken upon us, although my heels are where my head
ought to be, I will try and fulfil my engagement as co-
herently as possible. We have had the dark hour. The
dawn has broken, and the collapsed confederacy has no
place where it can hide its head. Bells are ringing wildly
all over the city. Citizens grin at one another with fairly
idiotic delight. One is on the top of his house frantically
swinging a dinner bell, contributing thus his share of
patriotic clamor to the general ding-dong. Bully for
him! How I envy the heroes of Meade's Army. It would
be worth while to die, in order that one's friends might
say, "He died at Gettysburg." But to live to hear
all the good news, and now to learn that Vicksburg has
surrendered, is a little too much happiness for poor mortal
men. I can laugh, I can cry with joy. All hysterical
nonsense is pardonable now. Manassas, twice repeated,
Fredericksburg and Chickahominy! Bless them as the
cruel training that has made us learn our duties to our
country. Slavery has fallen, and I believe Heaven as

WAR LETTERS 285

well as earth rejoices. Providence has tenderly removed
that grand old hero, Jackson, before the blow came, that
the one good, earnest, misguided man might be spared the
sight of the downfall of a cause fanaticism led him to
believe was right. Slink away ye copperheads to your
native slime, and there await until in Hell is ready the
place your master has prepared for you! There, Oh
Fernando, go reign in torment to all eternity! These
enthusiastic citizens of Wilmington, not content with
bell-ringing, have taken to firing cannon, and the boys, to
help matters, are discharging pistols into empty barrels.
The people in a little semi-slaveholding State, when not
downright traitors, are noisily, obstreperously loyal, to a
degree that New England can hardly conceive of. My
letter must be short and jubilant, I cannot do anything
long to-day.

Just dance through the house for me, and kiss every
one you meet. So I feel now. Good-bye.

AfFec'y.,

Will.

Headquarters Delaware Department,

Wilmington, Del., July loth, 1863.

My dear Mother:

I know I ought to be thankful in my present pleasant
position, but somehow or other I was not born to enjoy
sinecures. Doing nothing makes me very fretful. I had
a capital good time while on Maryland Heights, feeling
well repaid for my trip thither, but after leaving, I have
been bored to death with the ennui of city soldiering.
To be sure we are feted, and take our places among the
Princes of Delaware, still, my dear mother, it was not
for this I left home, and I cannot, with all the idle time

286 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

on my hands, avoid regretting the pleasant summer plans
we had arranged in old Conn. It is six years since I
have strolled about the streets of Norwich the whole
summer long. Norwich was never more beautiful than
now. So I suppose I feel disappointed at being so peace-
fully employed at the seat of war. Still here we are,
General and Staff — persons of distinction — Ahem! I
am on hand in case I am called for. I don't owe my
position to Gov. Buckingham, and I expect to get home
to my studies in the fall. Good things, all of them!
Besides this, I am raising whiskers. I am reading King-
lake's "Crimea." I have given up smoking. Think of
that! You see, at first, when I found there was little to do,
I smoked vigorously to pass away time. But when the
cigar was smoked, there was an end to the amusement, so
I then determined to break off smoking altogether, and, to
make it exciting, I kept a handful of cigars in my pocket
so that the temptation might be frequently incurred.
Whenever I longed for a fragrant Havana, I would take
one in fingers, and then sitting back in my chair, reason
philosophically on the pernicious effects of tobacco. On
reaching the point of conviction, I would return it to my
pocket unlighted. This, you see, has afforded me a very
excellent pastime.

Occasionally Bishop Lee's benignant face shines upon
us. Everyone worships the Bishop here, and how he
deserves it, you know well.

Am very sorry for Capt. Nichols. The opposition is a
mistake. However I should as soon think of breaking
my heart for a Bedlamite Hag, as for one who rejected
me on the grounds of prudence. So perhaps Nichols
is not so unlucky as he thinks himself. Now that I have
practically abandoned military life, I have a fancy Gov.

WAR LETTERS 287

Buckingham made a mistake in persistently ignoring my
claims to promotion. I fancy I would have done him
more credit than some of his appointments. This may
be vanity.

Written in haste with

affectionate intent,

W. T. LusK.

[The Draft Riots in New- York Crrv]

LoNGviEW, Enfield, Conn.,

July 14th, 1863.
My own dear Son:

I received your last letter on Saturday, and rejoice in
your health, and in your resolve to relinquish the use of
tobacco. I have no doubt your flesh will increase, and
that you will be benefitted by the change.

The terrible riot in New-York is at present engrossing
our thoughts. The blacks seem to be peculiarly obnoxious
to the excited mob; I suppose you have seen that they
have burned the Colored Orphan Asylum. The draft
commenced yesterday in Hartford. All was quiet through
the day, but some anxiety seems to be felt lest the example
of New- York may produce an evil effect to-day. They
have tried to obtain a few companies of Regulars to pre-
serve order (from New Haven) but they cannot be spared.
Aunt Sarah, Nellie and Tom were to return to New- York
to-day, but they dare not until the disturbance is quelled.
The telegraph wires are all cut, and I fear we shall have
no papers. The Times and Tribune offices are torn to
pieces. We are all sad enough. God is merciful, may
He speedily help us, and deliver us from our troubles.

Cousin Henry is wishing for, and looking for, a Die-

288 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

tator, the sooner the better. Capt. Nichols has gone to
Vicksburg with Col. McKaye, to inquire into the con-
dition of the Freedmen. You have no idea how unreason-
able the lower class (of Irish particularly) are in this
vicinity. Their feelings have been so wrought upon by
unprincipled men. The leader in the N. Y. riot was a
man from Virginia, who harangued the multitude and
counselled resistance.

A telegram has just arrived from your Uncle Phelps
at Saratoga, saying Nellie and Aunt Sarah must not return
to-day. Dr. Grant leaves in ten minutes, so good-bye.
A longer letter next time. God guard you, my own dear,
dear son, is my constant prayer. All send love, and I am

Always

Your loving

Mother.

The Draft Riots in New-York Cmr
The Memorial History of the City of New-Tork," Fol. Ill, f. 502.

"The morning of Saturday, July nth, 1863, had been selected for
the commencement of the draft in the city, and the day passed with-
out much interference with the officers charged with its supervision;
and the local authorities felt encouraged to think that the remainder of
the work would be completed without serious opposition. The follow-
ing day, being Sunday, was undoubtedly seized by those intent upon
obstructing the provost-marshals in the discharge of their duty, to foment
trouble among the ignorant or reckless element that abounds in every
large city. On Monday morning a few policemen were sent to the en-
rolling-offices at 677 Third Avenue and at 11 90 Broadway. At the last
named place the mystic wheel was set in motion, and the drawing of
names was continued without interruption until noon, when the provost-
marshals suspended operations as a measure of precaution. Up to ten
o'clock in the morning the city had been comparatively quiet. At that
hour Superintendent Kennedy, while upon a tour of inspection, without
escort, and in plain clothes, was attacked by a mob at the comer of 46th
St. and Lexington Ave., and, after being severely beaten, barely escaped
with his life. ... He was disabled for some days, and the immediate
command of the police devolved upon Mr. Acton. . . . The entire police

WAR LETTERS 289

force of the city had now been assembled at its respective station-houses,
and for the next three days was constantly employed in stamping out
the sparks of insurrection which were flying about, and at times break-
ing out into sheets of flame that threatened the existence of the city.
From the Cooper Institute to 46th Street, Third Avenue was black with
human beings who hung over the eaves of the buildings, filled the doors
and windows, and packed the street from curb to curb. Small bodies
of police were driven away or trampled under foot, houses were fired,
stores looted, and a very carnival of crime inaugurated. Negroes be-
came especially obnoxious, and neither age nor sex was regarded by the
white brutes in slaking their thirst for blood; from every lamp-post
were suspended the viaims of their blind fury. With one accord several
thousand rioters swooped down upon the Colored Orphan Asylum, then
occupying the' space from 43d to 44th street on Fifth Ave. The two
hundred helpless children were hurriedly removed by a rear door while
the mob rushed in at the front; the torch was applied in twenty places
at once, and despite the heroic efforts of Chief Engineer Decker and other
firemen to save the structure, it was burned to the ground."

Page 503. " Mayor Opdyke called for troops upon Gen. Wool, com-
manding the Department of the East, and Gen. Sandford, commanding
the National Guard."

Page 504. "The second and third days were marked by fresh out-
bursts and much bloodshed: bayonets and bullets were substituted for
policemen's billies. The territory of the disturbance had extended to
Harlem, and westward beyond Sixth Avenue. Evidences of able leader-
ship among the bands of marauders were visible. The roofs of houses be-
came vantage-ground from which stones were hurled and shots fired at
the police and troops in sight. . . . Orders were issued to the Seventh
and other city regiments to return home. . . . But the admirable arrange-
ments of General Brown and President Acton, and the excellent dis-
cipline of the force under their direction, finally prevailed against the
unorganized army of anarchy and misrule, and by midnight of the third
day the wires reported 'all quiet.* The backbone of the beast was
broken, but nevertheless all good citizens drew a breath of relief when,
shortly after, it was known that the Seventh had returned to aid in de-
fending home and fireside."

Page 507. General Fry sums up the situation: "The real cause of
the riot was, that in a community where a considerable political element
was active in opposition to the way the war was conducted, if not to the
war itself, and where there was a strong opinion adverse to the principles
of compulsory service, certain lawless men preferred fighting the Gov-
ernment at home, when it made the issue o( forcing them by lot to fight its
enemies in the field."

290 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

Headquarters Del. Dept.

Wilmington, Del., July 20th, 1863.
My dear Mother:

You have heard before now, I suppose, that I was
in New- York a few days last week. I saw Horace then,
but the excitement of the riots excluded all other topics
of conversation.

Lilly was kind enough to write me a letter which I
shall gladly answer, as I have time enough now to remem-
ber all correspondents that remember me. If nothing
else, I have abundant opportunities to read and write.
After the draft has been enforced in this State, the neces-
sity for Martial Law will probably have passed away.
Then I hope either to have more active service, or to get
relieved altogether. My summer experience will lead
me to enjoy with the greater zest, the coming winter.

Gen. Tyler has behaved most handsomely I think,
for when he was ordered to Maryland Heights, it was
with the understanding that he was to have an important
command, if not that of the Middle Department itself.
But the loss of Milroy's Army, the advance of Hooker,
and consequent assignment of French to the Heights, the
troubles in Baltimore, one and all operated to break up
all plans, and to leave him in his present position. I
have not heard him utter, for all, a single word of com-
plaint, though necessarily his position must be very irk-
some to him.

Aunt Maria, Uncle Phelps and Nellie were in New-
York for a few hours while I was there, but I did not

know it until it was too late. Mr. , who lives

opposite my Uncle's, sent for me to come and see him.
He proposed that I should take charge of a patrol to pro-

WAR LETTERS 291
tect their part of the town. I turned to young .

and suggested that he would make one of the patrol.
"No/* says the young man, "but I'll furnish a porter
from father's store as a substitute." Indeed thought I,
with such heroic youths, there is no need of doing any-
thing here. I can let this part of the city take care of
itself.

Your affec. Son,

Will.

Headquarters Del. Dept.
Wilmington, Del., July 28th, 1863.

My dear Mother:

That I have not written you more punctually, the en-
closed carte-de-visite must be my excuse. At last I have
fulfilled my promise, and I trust the result may prove
satisfactory to you. The carte was promised last Thurs-
day, but only furnished yesterday. "There's a twist to
your nose" says the ingenuous artist, while taking his
preliminary surveys. "Perhaps you fell down once, and
injured it." I answered mildly that I had no recollec-
tion of such a catastrophe. "Well," he says, "it isn't
straight anyway." Then adding with a sigh, "There are
very few things that are straight in this world." I sup-
pose that this philosophic photographer is right.

After all I am going to be present to-morrow at Horace's
wedding. There really is so little doing, that I feel as
though I could absent myself for a couple of days with
propriety. The General says "All right," so I shall go
on to-night at 11:30. You have not written whether it
is your intention to be present. It would be a great pleas-
ure to me if I should find you among the guests. Never

292 WILLIAM THOMPSON LUSK

mind, Fall is near at hand, and my stay in the army is
hastening to an end. I have much leisure time to read,
and as it is long since I have had such an opportunity,
I am indulging myself in books with a vengeance. My
previous visit to New- York was merely to vary a little
the monotony of Wilmington life, by the excitement of the
mob-rule then prevailing in the former city. I there met
Charley Dodge, who was serving as Chief of Cavalry on
Gen. Wool's staff. Charley contrived to give me some
little employment, but all I did was not much in amount.

I diiied a few days ago at 's. is a

capital good fellow, but painfully lazy and objectless.
Much attention and kindness has been shown us since
we have been here by the Union people. Unionism means
something in a slave state. The most violent secession-
ists would not venture to express half the disloyal senti-
ments that one hears from pretty good Union people in
Connecticut. The Union people here, from their position,
are forced to take such strong ground as to make the
sentiment of New England seem cold by comparison.
Much love.

Most afFec'y.,

Will.

Headquarters Del. Deft.,
Wilmington, Del., Aug. 17th, 1863.

My dear Mother:

The month is rapidly passing away, and I am awaiting
impatiently the time of my release. Meanwhile I do
not mean to pine, but am trying to enjoy myself the best
way possible. For instance, Saturday evening, took tea
with the Bishop. Yesterday, dined with the Chief Justice.

WAR LETTERS 293

Now we are making arrangements to get up a steamboat
excursion to Fort Delaware — a little private party of
our own to return some of the civilities that have been
paid us. We (Ned and I) mean to have all the pretty
girls. Mrs. LaMotte, a charming lady, is to play matron,
and I think will have a tolerably good time. So you see,
as I said before, we don't pine, still I shall be glad when
I shall be at liberty to return home. Have just finished
reading Mrs. Fanny Kemble's book on plantation life.
By George ! I never heard anything to compare with her
descriptions. They make one's blood run cold. Though
told with great simplicity and evident truth, compared
with them Mrs. Stowe's book is a mild dish of horrors.
In this State of Delaware I believe there is a larger pro-
portion of extreme Abolitionists than in Massachusetts.
People are tired of being ruled by the lottery and slave
interests which heretofore have locked hands together.
Gen. Tyler is an unconditional man. When one protests
his loyalty, the Gen. always asks him if his loyalty is
great enough to acquiesce in the emancipation proclama-
tion, and according to the answer, "Yes" or "No,** he is
judged. Uncle Tom I fear, wouldn't stand much chance
here. I had a few lines from Alfred Goddard a day or
two ago. He seems to be well pleased with his position
on Gen. Harland's Staff. The letter you enclosed to me
from Harry Heffron, had all the latest news from the
79th. They have suffered much in following up John-
ston in Mississippi from want of water, Johnston leaving
in every well either a dead horse or a mule. Agreeable!
They are now however on their way to Kentucky and
rejoicing. McDonald is on Gen. Parke's Staff. I be-
lieve my handwriting grows daily more unformed. How
I have degenerated from the example Grandfather Adams

294 WlLLIAiM THOMPSON LUSK

set us. However, I have to write fast and sacrifice beauty
to udlity.

Best love.

Affec'y.,

Will.

The following was found scribbled on a sheet of paper
in the handwriting of William T. Lusk, evidently a copy
of a letter written by Gen. Daniel Tyler:

"I ask the acceptance of this resignarion. Capt. Lusk
has been in most of the battles including the First Bull
Run, from Beaufort to the death of Major-Gen. Stevens,
whose Staff he was on from the date of Gen. Stevens's pro-
motion to his death. Capt. Lusk, so soon as he heard
of the occupation of Maryland Heights, left New- York
City, came to Point of Rocks, and walked to Harper's
Ferry, and volunteered for duty at a moment when I was
much in need of his services, and to make him available
I recommended him for the appointment of Asst. Adjt.-
Genl. and he was appointed accordingly, with the expec-
tation that when the prospect of fighdng at that point
was over, his resignation would be accepted. Under the
circumstances, as Capt. Lusk is on the point of commenc-
ing a professional life in the City of New- York, I ask the
acceptance of his resignation, knowing that there never
will be an emergency like that at Gettysburg and Mary-
land Heights, that Capt. Lusk will not be found at the
front."

INDEX

Abbott, Mr., 62

Adams, Hunt, 49, 69, 70, 91, 103,
104, 109, 113, 120, 125, 149, 164,
17s, 192, 196, 199, 211, 213, 221,
227,235,244

Adams, John, 105, 153, 167, 199,
213, 227

Adams, Mary (nre Lusk), 129, 162,
211, 221, 23s, 244, 265

Adriance, Mr., 199

Allen, Colonel Ethan, letter to I. N.
Phelps, regarding the appoint-
ment of Capt. W. T. Lusk, Lieut.-
Col. of the Blair Light Infantry,
276; letter to Hon. Montgomery
Blair requesting a pass from the
Sec*y of War permitting Lieut.-
Col. Lusk to return to the scene
of conflict, 281

Anthon's Grammar School, 13

Antietam, battles of, 10, 15, 199,
200, 205, 207, 242

Antietam and Fredfricksburgy rein-
statement of McClellan, 202; the
battle of South Mountain, 203;
the battle of Sharpsburg or An-
tietam, 205-207; after the battle
of Antietam, 222; Burnside suc-
ceeds McClellan, 228, 229; battle
of Fredericksburg, 249

Baird, Major Andrew D., 12
Barker, Dr. Fordyce, 10, 13, 16, 20,

30
Barnard, Horace, 64, 66, 109, no,

III, 125, 129, 138, 149, 151, 152,

164, 193, 196, 198, 213, 214, 217,

225, 291
Battery Island, 160
Beaufort, 100, 106, 107-109, 125
Beauregard, General, 88

Bellevue Hospital Medical College,

10, 15, 17, 23, 35
Benedict, Mr., 196
Bend, Frank, 134
Benham, General, 149, 150, 152,

IS3, 154. I55» 156, 162, 167, 168
Bennett, 133
Berlin, 9, 14, 22, 193
Blackburn's Ford, 10, 14, 51, 54, 55
Blair, Hon. Montgomery, 281
Blakeman, A. Noel, 12
Blenker, General, 178
Bond, Miss Abby, 199
Bond, Louisa, 227
Brady, Mr., 237
Braun, Carl, 16
Breed, Charley, 170, 173, 175
Bridgeport, Conn., 16, 23
Bromley, Captain, 175
Bronson, Mr., 144
Buckingham, Governor, 14, 155,

218, 286
Bull Run, first battle of, 9, 14, 55-

60, 61-62, 119, 131; second battle

of, 10, 14, 182-185
Burnside, General, 170, 171, 175, 178,

224, 231, 251, 252, 256, 270, 27s
Butler, General, 144

Carlton, Dr., 282
Cameron, Colonel, 14, 59
Caverly, Mrs., 144
Chantilly, battle of, 10, 15, 180, 185
Chittenden, Mary Hartwell, 19, 262
Chittenden, S. B., 19, 277
Christ, Colonel, 15, 212, 215, 216
Cisco, John J., letter to Gov. Sey-
mour, requesting leave of absence
for Capt. Lusk, 279, 280
Coe, M.D., Henry C, his memorial
of William Thompson Lusk, 25-3 1

295

* >

INDEX

Colored Orphan Asylum, burning

of, 287
Corinth, battle at, 141
Crosby, Major, 258, 262

Davis, JefiFerson, 196

Day, Nannie, 120, 199

Diz, General, 265

Dodge, Charles, 167, 292

Dodge, Maj.-Gen. Grenville M., 12

Dodge, Miss, 221

Dodge, Mrs., 223

Doster, W. E., 167; letters to W. T.

Lusk, efforts to get him leave of

absence, 273, 275
Draft Riots in New York City, 15,

22, 287-289
Dupont, Commodore, 96
Dwight, Miss Ellen, 103

Edinburgh, 10, 16, 23

Eliot, Bishop, 106

Elliott, Dr. George T., 10, 16, 199, 255

Elliott, Miss Kitty, 271

Elliott, Lieut.-Col. S. M., 62, 68, 69,

Elliott, Lieut. S. R., 48, 49, 69, 73,

102, 103, 121, 127, 226, 228, 234,

253
Elliott, Capt. or Maj. William, iii,

116, 117, 126, 127, 138, 149, 166,

234, 253
Ellis, Captain, 73
Ells, Edward, 227
Ellsworth Zouaves, The, 58
Ely, Col. William, 97, 147, 167, 171,

174, 178, 192
Enfield, Conn., 123
Everett, Edward, 61, 62

Farnsworth, Col. Addison, took
command of the " Highlanders,"
115; 172, 223, 234, 236, 246, 251,
264, 266, 267, 279, 280; letter to
W. T. Lusk regarding the Major-
ship and his own hopes of promo-

tion, 251, 252; letter to Gov.
Seymour requesting leave of ab-
sence for Capt. Lusk, 279, 280

Farnsworth, Charley, 201

Flint, M.D., Austin, his memoir of
William Thompson Lusk, M.D.,
21-24

Fort Donelson, 126

Fort Lafayette, 189

Fortress Monroe, 91, 93, 116, 163,
165, 166, 242

Franklin, General, 275

Fredericksburg, battle of, 10, 15,
173, 176, 230, 24s, 253, 254

Fremont, General, 214, 225

Gair, Captain Robert, 12

Garnett, General, 104

Geneva, 14

Gilman, Mrs., 270

Gilmore, General, 141

Gettysburg, 284, 294

Goddard, Alfred, 192, 293

Goddard, Henry, 55

Godwin, Mr. (N. Y. Post), 195, 196

Grant, Dr., 83, 146, 155, 264, 288

Grant, Mr., 47

Green, Gardner, 239

Greene, Mayor Lloyd, 265

Haight, Lieut.-Col. Edward, 12

Hale, Lieut. Morton, 175

Hall, Rev. William K., 92, no, in,

121, 164, 262
Halleck, General, 170, 255, 256
Hamilton, Captain, 168
Harland, Ned, 71, 167, 170
Harper's Ferry, 205, 294
Harris, Dr., 41

Harvard Medical School, 10, 16, 23
Hawkins Zouaves, Second, 254
Heidelberg, 9, 14, 22
Heffron, Harry, 293
Hentz, Mrs. Caroline Lee, 128
Hickok, — , 41
Highland Guard, The (sfe The ygth

INDEX

297

Highlanders^ New York Volun-
teers), 47, 48, SI, 62, 76, 77, 87, 91,
95, 262
Hilton Head, 99, 102, 107
Holmes, Dr. Oliver Wendell, 10
Hooker, General Joseph, 274, 290
Houston, Mr., 63
Howl and, E. Woolsey, 70, 89
Hubbard, Dr. Robert, 16, 23, 262
Hunter, Dr. James B., 17, 23
Hunter, Gen. David, 132, 141, 148,

149, 152, 153
Huntington, Emily, 175
Huntington, Hannah, 175

Jackson, " Stonewall," 181, 256, 285
Johnson, Charley, 137, 178, 225, 254
Johnson, Mr., 144, 145, 175
Johnston, General, 181

Kearny, General, 180, 181, 191
Kemble, Mrs. Fanny, 293
King, Henry, 170, 257
Kingsley, Harry S., his editorial on
the death of William T. Lusk, 7, 8
Kosciusko Farm, The," 78, 80, 81

((

Lamar, Colonel, 162

La Motte, Mrs., 293

Lee, Bishop, 286

Lee, General R. E., 181, 270

Letters of a Family During The War
for the Union, extract from, 89

Life of General Isaac I. Stevens, ex-
tracts from, The Highland Guard,
47, 48; mutiny in the 79th High-
landers, 76, 77; reconnoissance at
Lewinsville, 85-87; placed in com-
mand of Brigade at Annapolis,
90; Port Royal Expedition, 94,
95> 9S> 99t occupation of Beau-
fort, 107-109; daring raids upon
the enemy's pickets on the
Coosaw, in; Port Royal Ferry,
115, 117, 124; fall of Pulaski,
143; steamer Planter, 148, 149;

regarding General Benham, 149,
I50» 153; landing on James
Island, 151; battle of Secession-
ville, 157, 158, 165, 174; second
battle of Bull Run, 182-184;
battle of Chantilly, 185-188

Lincoln, Abraham, 68, 189, 214,231,
239. 245. 251, 252, 255, 256, 262

Linsly, Major, 236

Long Island College Hospital, 10,
16, 23

Lord, Sam, 107, no, 150, 151, 162

Loyal Legion, The Military Order
of the, memorial notice of, on the
death of William T. Lusk, 9-12

Lusk, Elizabeth Freeman, letters of,
to her son, William Thompson
Lusk. From Norwich, Conn.:
his prospects of appointment to
the Lt.-Colonelcy of the i8th
C. v., hours of bitter struggling,
interest shown by his friends.
General Tyler's affectionate in-
terest, disappointment at not
seeing him, a flag to greet his
return, the new Regiments, the
Twenty-second, the Fourteenth,
174-176; startling rumors from
the Army in Virginia, efforts
made by his friends for his pro-
motion, 178, 179; after the battles
of Second Bull Run and Chan-
tilly: thankful for the wonderful
preservation of his life, all lament
the loss of Gen*l Stevens, move-
ment was reported on foot to re-
quest Gen*l Stevens to command
the Army of Virginia, Gen'l
Stevens sacrificed to political
opinion, her nerves greatly
shaken, political interests para-
mount everywhere, 191, 192;
Pope's report with its censures ex-
citing remark, Jeff Davis's Proc-
lamation, Gen'l Stevens' death,
195-197; after the battle of South

298

INDEX

Mountain: Gen'l Reno killed, look-
ing with fear and dread for
the terrible list to come from the
battlefield, the surrender of Har-
per's Ferry, 197-199; letter from
Gov. of Conn, to Gov. of New
York, recommending his promo-
tion, Gov. Morgan's promise of
promotion, 218, 219; times of
trouble, the removal of McClellan
against whom there is a strong
party, the Twenty-sixth Regi-
ment encamped at Norwich, 226-
228; New York: after the battle
of Fredericksburg: the sickness of
distressing fears, the Nation to
fix the awful responsibility of this
dreadful slaughter, picture of the
" desolated hearth," wounded
soldiers at St. Vincent's Hos-
pital, 252-254; sympathy for his
unrequited labors, great lack of
justice in promotions, his self-sac-
rifice in requesting the Majority
to be given to another, the valor
of the 79th, philosophizes on dis-
appointments, 260, 261; the
battle in Tennessee, the Emanci-
pation Proclamation, Monitor
foundered off Cape Hatteras,
prayers for Abraham Lincoln, the
times turbulent and stormy,
Southern sympathizers, 264-266;
army rumors. New York full of
Southern people, the disgraceful
proceedings about the election of
a Speaker in Albany, Gen'l
McClellan living next door, 269-
271; Col. Ethan Allen desirous
of making Capt. Lusk Lt.-Col.
of hi» new regiment, efforts of
friends at home, the offering of
bounties, 276, 277; Longyiew,
Enfield, Conn.: the Draft Riots
in New York City, 287, 288
- to Horace Barnard. From Nor-

wich, Conn.: her son's lack of rec-
ognition for faithful services, the
scheming politician receives the
honors, his intimate companions
in arms being dead or wounded
his cup is more than full, 193-195

— to Mrs. Henry G. Thompson.
From Norwich, Conn.: after the
first battle of Bull Run: Col.
Elliott's assertion that her son's
courage and prudence in battle
were rare, 62

Lusk, Graham, Professor of Physi-
ology, Yale University, 19

Lusk, Lilly (Perkins n^e Lusk), loi,
127, 128, 145, 146, 151, 157, 160,
162, 164, 168, 175, 192, 211, 212,
223, 227, 235, 238, 239, 244, 253,
254, 261, 290

Lusk, Dr. William C, 19

Lusk, William Thompson, Memo-
rials of, 7-31; birth, 9, 13, 21;
education, 9, 10, 14, 16; his mili-
tary service in the 79th Regi-
ment New York Volunteers, 10,
14; military offices held by, 10,
14; member of the Loyal Legion
of the United States, 11; papers
on various medical subjects, 17-
19; Science and Art of Midwifery ,
18, 19; medical offices held by.
President of the Faculty and Pro-
fessor of Obstetrics and of the
Diseases of Women and Children
in Belle vue Hospital Medical Col-
lege, II, 16, 17, 23, 26; consulting
physician to the Maternity Hos-
pital, and to the Foundling Asy-
lum, visiting physician to the
Emergency Hospital, ii, 17; con-
sulting obstetrician to the Society
of the Lying-in Hospital of the
City of New York, 17; Gynecol-
ogist to Bellevue and St. Vin-
cent's Hospitals, II; Obstetric
Physician to the Bellevue Hos-

INDEX

299

pital, 17; Honorary Fellow of
the Edinburgh and London Ob-
stetrical Societies, ii, 17, 24;
corresponding Fellow of the Ob-
stetrical Societies of Paris and
Leipsic and the Paris Academy of
Medicine, 11, 17, 24; President
of the American Gynecological
Society, President of the New
York State Medical Association,
II, 17, 22; Vice-president of the
New York Obstetrical Society, 11,
17, 26; Professor of Physiology
and Microscopic Anatomy in the
Long Island College Hospital, 16,
23; married Mary Hartwell Chit-
tenden, 19; married Mrs. Ma-
thilda Thorn, 19; children of, 19.
Valedictory address of, on his
graduation from the Bellevue
Hospital Medical College, 35-
43; Tfu Illustrious Boerhaavty 43
Letters of — to his mother, Mrs.
Elizabeth F. Lusk: from George-
town Heights: joins the 79th
Highland Regiment, 48, 49;
Glebewood, Va.: invasion of the
"sacred soil," camp life, 49-51;
near Centerville: skirmish of
Blackburn's Ford, 51-53; first
battle of Bull Run, 53-60; Me-
ridian Hill, Washington: W. T.
Sherman's inconsiderate behavior
at Fort (Corcoran, 67-69; intoxi-
cation of troops after pay-day,
Gov. Stevens of Washington Ter-
ritory made Col. of the Highland-
ers, characterization of Gen*l
Tyler, 70-72; Camp Causten: the
mutiny in the 79th Regiment, 72-
76; Kosciusko Farm: incidents of
army life, 80-82; Camp Advance,
Va.: tales of camp life, 87-89;
start on Port Royal expedition,
leave of absence granted, given
up, 89-90; on the " Vanderbilt "

en route for Fortress Monroe:
Gen'l Thos. W. Sherman com-
manding the expedition, 91, 92;
Fort Monroe: hardships of out-
post life, irritating acts of in-
solence by his superior officer,
appointed Aide-de-camp to Gen'l
Stevens, 93, 94; Hilton Head, S.
C: storm at sea, naval engage-
ment at Port Royal, describes the
neighborhood of Hilton Head,
95^9^; A season of pillage, pic-
tures the environment, 99-102;
acknowledging box from friends,
102-105; Port Royal District: the
occupation of Beaufort, camp
duties, the military situation,
106, 107; Beaufort: raids on the
rebel pickets, characterization of
William Elliott, no, in; ill with
fever, in, 112; rapid recovery,
the " New Year's call " (action at
Port Royal Ferry), negro stories
of feeling of depression among
South Carolina troops, treatment
of prisoners, 11 2-1 15; receipt of
sword from W. W. Phelps, his
efforts to secure William Elliott's
promotion, 116, 117; scouting on
Hospa Creek, Thomas W. Sher-
man's expedition against Fort
Pulaski, newspaper glory, 118-
120; arrival of the Connecticut
battery, time of his appointment
as Captain, 120, 121; character-
ization of General Stevens, 122,
123; reasons for not encouraging
his mother to visit Beaufort, news
of the capture of Fort Donelson,
a picket episode, 124-126; the
" excellent females " brought
hither for the regeneration of the
negro race, 127-129; his com-
mendation of McClellan in the
face of savage attack, 129-132;
Gen'l Thos. W. Sherman super-

^ -'• \

300

INDEX

icded by Gcnl David Hunter,
reasons for inactivity of the Com-
mand, reasonable possibilities ac-
complished, doubts the fincerity
of a few of the " Brethren," hii
clothes beginning to grow rusty,
looks for an early victorious
career of the Command, 132-135;
asking his mother to see Mrs.
Gen. Stevens who was returning
to New York, 135, 136; bombard-
ment of Pulaski begun, vaccina-
tion a perfect safeguard against
smallpox, suffering torments from
sand-flies, characterization of
William Elliott, 136-138; the fall
of No. 10, the battle at Corinth,
and the surrender of Pulaski, dis-
gusted with emancipation experi-
ments, 140-142; acknowledging
gift of a flag, political howl-
ing against McClellan, 143-145;
his sister's marriage, character-
ization of newspaper correspond-
ents, 145-147; escape of the
steamer Planter, characterization
of GenM Hunter, 147, 148; " On-
ward to Charleston,'* 149; James
Island: much skirmishing, 150,
151; distrust of General Benham,
152; battle of Secessionville, the
project of storming the battery
conceived in utter folly, indigna-
tion at useless bloodshed, re-
covery of his sword, 156, 157;
Battery Island: unable to get
leave of absence, a plague of in-
sects, 160-162; en route to For-
tress Monroe: is glad to leave a
malarious atmosphere, 163-165;
Newport News: desires promo-
tion, characterization of Gen'l
Benham, 166-168; would accept
an appointment in one of the new
Connecticut regiments, 169; per-
sonal appearance of General Hal-

leck, 170; characterization of
William Ely, expresses views on
the draft, 171, 172; 00 board
steamer "Efan Ci^/' at Acqoia
Creek: serving as Acting Assist-
ant .\djut--Gcn., 173. 174; Fred-
enckslmrg: indignation at army
atrocities toward non-combat-
anu, 176-178; near Alexandria:
battle of Chantilly, death of Gen-
eral Stevens, army mismanage-
ment, 180, iSi; Meridian Hill,
Wadiington, D. C: the army de-
moralized by political Generals,
depletion of the ranks of the
Highlanders to 230 men, his own
ser\'ices unrecognized, 188-190;
near Sharpslmrg: after the battle
of .-Vntietam; an unsuccessful
candidate for position in the i8th
Conn., political influences in
securing promotion, 199-202;
abandons all thought of promo-
tion and contents himself with
doing his duty, 209-211; Moadi
of Antietam Creek: 79th High-
landers transferred to a new
brigade and he consequently re-
signs his position on Colonel
Christ's staff, characterization of
Gen'l Pope, 211-213; Antietam
Iron Works: encloses Special
Order mentioning him for gal-
lant and meritorious conduct,
etc., 217, 218; Camp Israd, Pleas-
ant Valley: unfairness in army
promotions, 220-222, Camp near
Southville, Va.: recrossed into Vir-
ginia, 222, 223; near Rectonrille,
Va.: army support of McClellan,
224-226; near Fredericksburg:
his turn to go home on leave dis-
regarded, 229, 230; near Fal-
mouth: the efforts of officers to
check outrage neutralized by the
accursed conduct of the Press,

INDEX

301

McClellan's abilitiesy wretched
army system, marauding pro-
pensities of the troops, 230-233;
picture of camp life on Thanks-
giving Day, trick to deprive him
of the Majorship of the 79th
Highlanders, 233-235; philoso-
phizes over having lost the
Majorship, wishes an appoint-
ment in the Regular Army, " Old
Abe's" emancipation plans, leave
of absence refused, 238-240; gen-
eral suffering for want of clothes,
dining on fried potatoes, promo-
tions by War Department given
to young untried officers, 240-
242; letter written just before
the battle of Fredericksburg:
patriotic exhortation, 242-244;
description of the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, 244-248; criticism of
the disastrous affair at Freder-
icksburg, rumors of the resigna-
tion of Lincoln's cabinet, reason
for having lost faith in Halleck,
praise for McClellan, despair over
the paltry policy of the adminis-
tration, 254-257; his mortifica-
tion over being in a subordinate
position. Army promotions not
based on fitness, 257-259; philoso-
phizes over his adversities, 266,
267; cheerfulness over impending
action in the thought of being
able to contribute something to
the Cause, 268; expecting to
meet the enemy on the morrow,
hope is dominant, patriotic ex-
hortation, 271-273; the coveted
" leave " still unobtainable, an-
noyance caused by his superior
officer, discusses the command of
the Army of the Potomac, 273-
275; Baltimore: starting back for
the scene of conflict (Harper's
Ferry), 282; Maryland Heights:

walks twelve miles from Point of
Rocks to join Gen'l Tyler who
installs him on his staff as
A. A. General, 282, 283; TKnixning-
ton: his troops placed on the
inactive list, he chafes under the
enforced idleness and plans re-
turning to his studies, 285-287;
a few days in New York during
the Draft Riots, Gcn'l Tyler's
promised promotion halted by
circumstances, 290, 291; gets a
couple of days' leave of absence,
had been indulging in book read-
ing, 291, 292; social pastimes at
Wilmington, news from Harry
Heffron of the 79th Highlanders,
292-294

— to his uncle, John Adams. From
James Island: battle of Seces-
sionville, denounces the action of
General Benham, 153-155

— to Horace Barnard. From Beau-
fort, S. C: satire on political in-
terference in military matters,
138-140; near Antietam Creek:
commentary on McClellan, char-
acterization of General Stevens,
214-217

— to his sister Lillie. From Camp
near Falmouth, Va.: on New

. Year's Eve he determines to be
cheerful in the knowledge that
Providence doeth all things well,
holiday festivities, 261-263

— to Mrs. Henry G. Thompson.
On going to join his regiment, 47;
Meridian HUl, Washington: inci-
dents of camp life, 63-66; Camp
Causten (the Kosciusko farm) : the
79th Highlanders after the first
Bull Run reduced by death and
desertion from 1000 to 700 men
capable for action, 77-80; Camp
Advance: restoration of colors to
Highlanders, good health of the

302

INDEX

Regiment, camp incidents, 82-85;
WiliiitiigtDD: exultation after Get-
tysburg and V'icksburg, 284, 285

McBride, Capuin, 257
McClellan, General, 81, 88, 130, 145,

146, 163, 181, 202, 214, 224, 225,

227, 231, 239, 251, 2s6, 271, 275
McDonald, Dr., 83, 112, 210, 211,

212, 224, 230, 248, 251, 258, 266,

271, 293
McDowell, General, 54, 181, 255
McKaye, Colonel, 288
Manassas, battle of, 15, 64, 65, 68,

80, 213
Mansfield, General, 68
Martin, George, 123
Maryland Heights, 294
Matteson, Major, 167, 190, 192,

195. 196

" Mf mortal History of the City 0]
New York, The;* Draft Riots in
New York City, 288, 289

Meech, Mr., 227

Merrill, — , 134

Merwin, First-Lieutenant, 175

Mintzing, Miss, no, 119, 162

Monoyer, Dr., 14

More, Major, 234, 237, 257

Morgan, Governor E. D., 10, 14,
116, 217, 218, 219, 259; letter to
Colonel Farnsworth in regard to a
furlough for Captain Lusk on his
being tendered the Lieut.-Colo-
nelcy of the Blair Light Infantry,
278

Morrison, Lieut.-Colonel, 93, 229,
234, 236, 257, 274, 279

Newport News, 166

New York County Medical Asso-
ciation, 21

New York Evening Post, 140, 196,
198, 227

New York Express, 227

New York Herald, 191, 227, 252

New York Medico! JonmaL, ii, 18,

New York Obstetrical Society, ii,

17; tribute to the memory of

William Thompson Lask, M.D^

LL.D., 25-31

New York State Medical Assocuh

tion, II, 17, 22
New York Tiwus, Th^^ 191, 287
New York Tribune^ 191, 196, 227,

287
New York World, 227
Nichols, Captain, 286, 288.
Norwich, Conn., 9, 13, 175, 258, 286
Norwich Morning Bulletin, 53, 55,

IS9

Olmstead, — , 41
Opdyke, Mr., 238
Opdyke, Mayor, 278
0*Rourke, — ,134
Osgood, Dr., 228

Parke, General, 293

Paris, 10, 16, 23

Peaslee, Dr. Edmund R., 30

Perkins, Thomas, loi, 104, 120,

148, 211, 218, 227, 23s, 244, 263,

270, 287
Phelps, Isaac N., loi, 105, no, 116,

119, 126, 127, 135, 217, 219, 234,

237, 248, 254, 277, 290
Phelps, Mrs. Isaac N., 105, 127,

135. 253» 290

Phelps, Sarah, 257

Phelps, Mrs. Walter, 138

Phelps, William Walter, 87, 92, loi,
104, no, in, 116, 129, 157, 164,
170, 211, 218, 259, . . . : letters of,
to Mrs. E. F. Lusk: from New
York: his interview with Gov.
Morgan regarding a Commission
for her son, 219, 220; announ-
cing the receipt of a Commission
for Major W. T. Lusk, 235, 236:
letter of, to W. T. Lusk telling of

INDEX

303

his receipt of the Commission and

its recall, 236-238
Piatt, Colonel, 282
Pier, Captain, 198
Plantety The steamer, 148
Point of Rocks, 282, 294
Pope, General, 163, 171, 177, i8l,

19s, 199, 213, 2I4» 231
Port Royal, 10, 14, 89, 94, 95, 166
Porter, — , 225
Prague, 10, 16, 23
Prentiss, Rev. Mr., 264
Pringles, The, 107
Pulaski, 119, 136, 141

"Rebellion Record^ The,^* extracts
from, 54; Bull Run, 60-62; Port
Royal, 98; reconnoissance on the
Corinth road, 142; battle of Se-
cessionville, 158, 159; battle of
South Mountain, 203, 204, 209;
surrender of Harper's Ferry, 205;
honorable mention of Capt. W.
T. Lusk, 218

Reynolds, Tom, 119

Richmond Examiner ^ Thf, 87

Riley, Mr., 264

Robert, pilot of the Planter, 148

Rockwell, Capt. A. P., 120, 125,
136, 157, 159, 163, 167, 168, 225

Rosecrans, General, 152

Rowe, Dr., 40, 41

Russell's Military School, 13, 258

Sandford, — , loi

Sanger, Prof., 31

Schenck, General Robert C, 181

Schurz, Gen. Carl, 181, 189

" Science and Art of Midwifery, The,*'

10, II, 18, 19, 23
Scott, General, 49
Secessionville on James Island, 10,

14, 153-159, 225
Seifert, Prof., 16

Seymour, Governor Horatio, 224,

252, 277, 279

Sherman, Gen. Thomas W., 91, 119,

122. 123, 128, 132, 134, 141, 148
Sherman, Col. W. T., 51; his report

of first battle of Bull Run, 60; 67,

68
Sigel, General Franz, 178, x8i, 214
Sims, Dr. Marion, 30
Simpson, Sir James Y., 16
Sloat, — , 144
Smith, Dr. A. Alexander, his address

in memory of William Thompson

Lusk, M.D., LL.D., 13
South Mountain, battle of, 10, 15,

197, 203
Spooner, Rev. Albert, 13
Sprague, General I. T., 279, 280
Stanton, Secretary, 273, 275
Starkweather, Mr., 282
Stedman, Edward, 173
Stevens, Captain Hazard, 180, 241
Stevens, Gen. Isaac I. (see Life of),

IS, 70, 73, 74, 75, 90, 91, 93, 94,
104, 113, 152, 154, 156, 157, 162,

163, 164, 167, 168, 169, 180, 188,

190, 191, 193, 196, 213, 214, 215,

225, 234, 254, 255

Stevens, Mrs. Isaac I., 135, 196, 198

Stewart, A. T., 238

Stowe, Mrs. Harriet B., 293

Sumner, General, 257, 275

Tappan, John, 260

Taylor, Dr. Isaac E., 30

''The 79/A Highlanders New York
Volunteers in the War of the
Rebellion" extracts from, 51;
Blackburn's Ford, 54, 55; recon-
noissance at Lewinsville, 85; 115,
117; Bull Run, 184, 185; South
Mountain, 205, 207; Fredericks-
burg, 249, 250; " Mud Cam-
paign," 268, 269

Thompson, Mrs. Henry G., 47, 62,
63, 77, 82, 105, 140, 151, 217, 223,
244, 271, 284

Thorn, Mrs. Matilda, 19

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Full text of "War letters of William Thompson Lusk, captain, assistant adjutant-general, United States Volunteers 1861-1863, afterward M.D., LL. D"

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