Charles Russell Lowell to Anna C. Jackson Lowell, May 13, 1861

Washington, May 13, '61.

I feel confident I am all right for a commission in the first batch of civilians — since my application none have been given except to the graduating class of West Point. When I am fairly appointed, I shall want you to send me a copy of “Oakfield”¹ with your love and fondest wishes — in exchange perhaps I will send my photograph. Although I did not consult you, dear, in coming here, I was very glad indeed to have your letter and Father's approving. I think, too, you will agree that I am right in trying to enter the regular army, even with lower rank than I might get in one of the three-year regiments. I have thought from the first — and in this I am confirmed by what I see here — that while the volunteers will furnish fully their share of military talent, and more than their share of food for powder, it will fall mainly on the Regular organization to keep the armies in the field and to keep them moving. Military science I have absolutely none, — military talent I am too ignorant yet to recognize, — but my education and experience in business and in the working of men may, if wanted, be made available at once in the Regular army: the Acting Commissary for this whole military district is only a Lieutenant of Artillery. Of course I am too old to be tickled with a uniform, and too apathetic to get up such a feeling against the worst traitor among them as to desire personally to slay him — but, like every young soldier, I am anxious for one battle as an experience: after that, I shall be content to bide my time, working where I can do most service and learning all I can from observation and from books. I believe no one is more anxious to see the Government “go through” than I am — I want to see the Baltimore traitors put on trial at once, and armed rebellion everywhere crushed out; but I cannot help feeling that the task is a long one and of uncertain issue — and whether we are to have a long war and subdue them, or a short war and a separation, it is evident that the Army is to assume a new position among us — it will again become a profession. Hence my anxiety to get into the Artillery: if the change is to come, I want to be in position to take the best advantage of it.

I have no doubt that Jim on duty at the Arsenal² has a far better experience of military realities than I have here. The Government troops parade here and crowds stare at them — in Alexandria (six miles off, — I was down there last week) the Virginia troops parade and crowds gape at them, — as to fancying any hostile relation between them, it is almost impossible, and yet I firmly believe there will be a collision within three weeks.

My room-mate, Stewart, was at Richmond (protected by an English passport) last Friday — drove all about the town and visited the camps in the neighborhood: he reports them to be in quite large force and very anxious for a fight, thoroughly convinced that they were fighting the battles of Freedom!

[On the envelope.]

I shall always hail from Massachusetts hereafter.

_______________

¹ Oakfield, a story of army life in India, by an officer, the brother of Matthew Arnold, which seems to have created a stir in England at the time.

² The wise precaution of guarding the Massachusetts Arsenal at Cambridge from traitorous injury or theft had been taken, and a volunteer company largely composed of Harvard students and graduates was stationed there.

SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of Charles Russell Lowell, p. 206-8, 403