pleasant Hill, Sunday Evening, September 29, 1861,
Camp near Darnestown.
An opportunity presents itself, this morning, to send a
letter, and so I write, though I have only to tell you of continued quiet and
content.
And, indeed, it is no easy matter to preserve that happy
mental and moral poise in the midst of our present dulness. I think, however,
that the regiment was never in a state of more admirable efficiency than it is
to-day, and this cheers and satisfies me when I keep it in mind. It is idle,
however, to disguise the fact that it is a heaviness to the natural and unregenerate
heart to see no prospect of achievement, no opportunity of action.
I do not hesitate to say, that the winter must not
set in without deeds that give a lustre to our flag. Volunteering, is it, that
is wanted? Show the volunteer that he enters on the path of victory, and the
crowd will be immense.
We heard last night that the report was current that our
division had cut the enemy to pieces, or was itself cut to pieces, or something
of that sort. If so, and the report ran home by telegraph, you have had a very
needless alarm. Never was repose so undisturbed as ours. If you hear such news
of us, reflect only, “It is too good to be true.”
Your letter of the 23d is just received. I do hope Howard
will find success in the Department of the West. There is certainly room for
him there, and he has capacity for the place. I have just come in from
Sunday-morning inspection. We need for the regiment flannel drawers and flannel
shirts. Can you not get up a good package of them, and send them on by Captain
Abbott? I see you speak of shirts for the soldiers.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 107-8
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