Centreville, July 20, 1863.
This has been a day of dozes, taken under an apple-tree on a
breezy slope, — dozes interrupted by impertinent questions about horseshoes and
forage and rations and what not. In the field though, these dozy days after
hard marching are among the pleasantest. In my case, they have always
associated themselves with delightful days at Interlaken and with images of the
Jungfrau, because after several long tramps I returned to Interlaken and lay
off there to rest, choosing always some horizontal position with a view of the
mountain at will, — I think the exceeding restfulness of the Jungfrau must
impress every one, but it must be seen in the dozy state, when repose is the
only idea of bliss, to be fully enjoyed,— I mean mere physical repose; there is
another higher repose about the Jungfrau which must be grateful to all who are
weary or heavy-laden. . . .
I don't feel anxious, perhaps, but I feel very wrathful
against these fellows. I do hope that this will lead General McClellan to shake
off Seymour and his set, — he isn't either a fool or a knave, — he is simply innocent.
SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of
Charles Russell Lowell, p. 277-8
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