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 temporarily, 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 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 7½ 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 expired.” “Oh!” said he, “I only
wish to tell you that you are appointed my Aide-de-camp. You know my
peculiarities, 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,
Aide-de-camp to Gen.
Stevens,
Sherman's Division.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 93-4
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