Headquarters 2d Brigade, S. C.
Beaufort, S. C. March 31st, 1862.
My dear Mother:
I hear the “Atlantic,” which has just arrived, will return
at once, so I do not feel willing to lie down without writing a few lines,
though it is full bedtime now. Gen. Hunter was here this afternoon. I saw too
little of him, however, to form any judgment with regard to him, as his visit
was brief. Poor Sherman must betake himself to the Mississippi, and forego for
the future the sweets of unrestrained authority. Sherman has doubtless done a
good work down here, though he has gained no glorious victories. This, however,
was not expected by Government which never once thought of supplying him with
the force requisite to active operation. To be sure his force comprises nearly
20,000 men, but it must be remembered this is not a great force when the line
extends from Dan to Beersheba. I am no special admirer of Sherman, but still do
not think it worth while to join in abusing him as bitterly as most do, for not
attempting what did not lie in his power. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I hardly
think it probable Gen. Hunter will do much better than his predecessor unless
properly reinforced. Few Generals, I find, have that taste for fruitless
slaughter common to civilians, and most shrink from sacrificing life where
nothing definite can be gained. My friends frequently write, asking me if I am
not disgusted at the utter inactivity of the Command, and at times I have
written strongly, still I could not but know that we were so from necessity. We
were sent here by Government simply to defend a Harbor where our blockading
squadron could ride in safety. This object has been accomplished, and not only
this, but the whole remaining coast as far as the Gulf of Mexico is occupied by
our troops. More than this has been done, but I pause, for there will be much
to tell when the war is over, which one may not mention now. I do not wish you
to understand that Savannah and Charleston might not have been ours had our
leader been a greater man than is generally vouchsafed to armies, but we must
give him credit for accomplishing reasonable possibilities. Stevens, I think,
would have accomplished impossibilities, but quien sabe.
We have all been much amused in reading the papers brought
by the last mail, at the editorials of Bennett on “Our Only Son.” It is
necessary to see “Our Only Son” to appreciate the feeling remarks of the tender
parent.
Do not suppose that, because I felt some little amusement at
the early experience of the “Brethren” down here, I am in any wise inclined to
join in the vulgar abuse so common with the multitude. I sincerely trust, indeed,
their efforts may be attended with success, and certainly know some extremely
pleasant people among them. I do not like Mr. ——— though, and am inclined to
doubt the sincerity of a few.
Had I been up North I should have tried to have got Gen.
Tyler to make me his Adjutant-General, being able, I believe, to give
satisfactory testimonials of capacity for the detail office-work of a Brigade,
but I am too far away to heat my own irons, and, indeed, I suppose it is much
better to wait down here, until something has been done by our Command. Write
me if Frank Bend is to occupy the position I have mentioned. He could fill it
well.
I have got quite well acquainted with two of General Tyler's
old Aides now on Gen. Sherman's Staff and both fine fellows. I give the names,
O'Rourke and Merrill, as Mrs. T. may have been acquainted with them.
Well, my dear mother, I write a deal that I would not like
to have repeated.
My clothes, though quite lately new (December), are
beginning to grow rusty. I think it would be a good plan to have a new suit
made for me. I shall need it before it reaches me. I am greatly in need of
shirts (3 will do me). You know I left home with a small valise. My wardrobe
has since been diminished by Bull Run, by washerwomen, by thieves, and by
natural wear and tear, so that I have become almost as much an object of
charity as the contrabands. I have been under the hallucination ever since
leaving home, that a good time would come when I would be able to return again,
and fit myself out properly for a campaign. Not having seen the time yet, it
was lucky that the box you sent me supplied me with the means of sustaining
myself to say the least.
Now, my dear mother, fearing that you may exaggerate my
needs, I will confess candidly that all I want are 3 or 4 shirts and a few
pairs of stockings. Handkerchiefs and towels I have in abundance. I would like
everything as plain as possible, for anything that has a tinge of red, or
yellow or blue, it is impossible to prevent the negroes from appropriating to
their own uses.
Before two months are over, the time for military operation
down here will have passed, so we have every reason to suppose that the time
has come when our Command will commence a victorious career. When the summer
heats shall prevent any further movement, I trust, dear mother, I may be
allowed to spend a few days with you. That would be so delightful. Good-bye,
kiss all around, sisters, little ones and all. Love to Aunt Maria and Uncle
Phelps. Tell the latter I will send him a check by the earliest opportunity.
Yours affec'y.,
Will.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 132-5
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