Cedar Creek, Oct. 12, 1864.
We 've gone into a pleasant camp to-day (last evening),
directly upon the Shenandoah, and are likely to stay for a week, I think, — our
horses needing rest sadly. I am glad it is not nearer Winchester, for then I
should be tempted to wish you might come down for a few days, or I might go
home, but now we are still in the front, and it is out of the question.
How shall you like to have me come home in Government
clothing? — they 're so much cheaper, I hope you won't object. I like
them better too, think them more respectable, when tailors charge $32 for
trousers, and Government only $5; or $75 for coats, and Government only $4.
This is a poetic letter, isn't it? You must keep your eyes open for
opportunities for both of us after the war, — I mean, be thinking about
the matter. You see I talk quite rationally now about “after the war,” — it may
be ten years, in which case I shall probably never leave the army, but it may
be only ten months, and then we don't want to be taken by surprise. I'm
galloping over this and the officer is waiting at the tent door, so Good-bye.
SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of
Charles Russell Lowell, p. 356-7
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