Norwich, July 28th, 1861.
Dear Cousin Louisa:
I will not commence with prefatory remarks but hasten to
reply to your questions about my boy. Mr. Abbott returned from Washington
to-day. He found Will well, and well cared for at the house of Lt.-Col.
Elliott, whose family are bestowing upon him every imaginable kindness. Oh!
dear Louisa, God's promise has not failed, and the widow's son is not only
safe, but he has added joy to his mother's heart by his noble conduct. Col.
Elliott told Mr. Abbott he should be promoted, that his courage and prudence
were rare, and eminently qualified him to be an officer. Mr. A. wept as he
spoke of his appearance on the battlefield, his courage and resolution never
failing though surrounded by his dead and dying comrades. The Colonel said, “that
boy is not known, but he must be now.” I do not hesitate to write you this,
dear friend. God knows I rejoice tremblingly, but I share him now with the
country to whom he is devoting all the energies of his earnest spirit. If you
or any friend feel like writing him, direct to Washington, Lieut. William T.
Lusk, 10th Co. 79th Highland Regiment; he has not written even me, for he has
no time, but as soon as he can be spared he hopes to come to me for a day or
two. I notice by the papers he was in the hottest of the fight and that the
regiment was covered “with immortal honor.” Tell Laura, as he is connected with
the Highlanders, I would like to know something of his Scotch ancestry we
have so often laughed about. Pray for him my friend. God never seemed so near
as in this dark hour. I know that He pities his sorrowing children, remembering
“we are but dust.” With much love to all our dear Enfield friends,
I remain
Affectionately yours,
E. F. Lusk.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 62-3
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