Washington, May 25, /61.
After the movement yesterday across the river, all passing
to and fro was forbidden; but Mr. Dalton and myself, by going up to Georgetown
and making interest with the Irishmen of the 69th, who have a rather Milesian
idea of sentry's duty, succeeded in getting into Virginia. We visited the
earthworks and many of the camps, and dined at Arlington House on corn pone and
milk. There were no troops yesterday within two miles of Arlington, and the
place was just in the prime of its Spring beauty. I have seen no place like it
in this country — for position and for well-improved natural advantages. I
suppose to-day it is occupied, and in spite of its importance and of its
owner's treason, I cannot think of it with much pleasure.
How are Jim Savage and Henry coming on? I hear there is some
hitch about their regiment — nothing serious, I hope.
I have been in Washington more than four weeks — in spite of
fairest promises, I have not got my commission yet, but still have faith. If I
have been of any use to the Massachusetts troops, I am very glad of it.
I wish our people would not feel so very anxious about their
comfort. Their health and morale is excellent and they are as
efficient as any troops here. I am sure you do not worry so much about my
comfort, and I do not see why other mothers should. The greatest kindness
to our troops now is to teach them to use what they have.
SOURCE: Edward Waldo Emerson, Life and Letters of
Charles Russell Lowell, p. 209-10
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