Staunton, 7 A. M., Sept. 27, 1864.
I didn't tell you what a magnificent spring-wagon I have
now, — four stylish white horses and driver to manoeuvre them, — it beats
Tyler's red turnout, I think: it's for you to ride out in next winter. In this
army (and in the Army of the Potomac) some such affair is a recognized part of
a brigade commander's equipment, — general orders always mention a spring-wagon
for each headquarters, &c, — so you see we are likely to be very
magnificent this winter, — as commanding the Regular Brigade I am expected to
indulge in even more luxe than my neighbours, — we shall quite
disappoint the world,— shan't we,— with our republican simplicity! I haven't
told you either that, the day before yesterday at Luray, I organized a small
black boy, bright enough and well brought up; his name is James, but as we have
already two of that name about here, I call him Luray, which is quite
aristocratic. You can teach him to read and to write this winter, if you have
time. The Doctor thinks you would find more satisfaction in him than in your
pupils of Vienna.
I wish you could see the splendid country we are in, — we
are about one mile beyond Staunton, facing towards the Blue Ridge — we have
found out pretty well where the Rebs are, and I have a notion that we shall be
getting back pretty soon toward the infantry.
SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of
Charles Russell Lowell, p. 350-1
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