Cantonment Hicks, Near Frederick, January 28, 1862.
If I write you from my experience, I shall have little to
tell of a soldier's life. It is one of the disadvantages of this detached duty
that it separates one from the life of the regiment. This I could find more
disposition to regret, if I saw much life now in the regiment; but, in truth,
we are devoting ourselves to keeping warm and dry under every assault of heaven
and earth, rain and mud. . . . .
Yesterday we had a new excitement and amusement. Colonel
Geary got up a party to Point of Rocks, by special train, in the evening, to
witness his private theatricals. We had a gay excursion. A crowded car of young
ladies and old generals; off we went at about six o'clock. When we reached
Point of Rocks, we emerged from the car; and, amid the clanging, brazen music
of the band, piled ourselves into army-wagons, whose sternness was soothed with
a little straw. On we went, jolting and laughing, to the camp. There we found
an out-door stage, bright with hanging Chinese lanterns; and, in the
chilly night, well wrapped up, we shiveringly admired the “Geary Thespian
Corps.” Toodles was very well played; and, indeed, the acting was successful.
We came back by the cars at midnight. Our moving train at the unusual hour, so
near the enemy's lines on the other side of the Potomac, set their signal-lights
playing, and, undoubtedly, they failed to explain the activity in Colonel
Geary's camp by its true cause. In truth, it is an experience, — an open-air
theatrical display in January, within reach of Rebel guns, and in sight of
Rebel signal-fires.
General Banks went off to Washington yesterday. Rumor gives
him various errands. We only hope that he goes to hear of some movement that he
may share or inaugurate. I do not even guess a motive, for my guesses come back
on me dishonored so often that I weary of conjecture.
If the history of the volunteer force for this great war of
ours shall ever be written, I can certainly give some very amusing episodes of
appointments of officers, and their character and capacity. Our Board continues
its weeding ruthlessly. To-day, under the terror even of our presence, were two
resignations, — one of a colonel.
I enclose for you a very unfair photograph of my
friend General Hamilton. It does not do him justice; yet it is, of course, a
likeness. Place it in my album, if you please. Colonel Geary promises to
exchange with me also, so that I shall have the whole Board in my book.
The association has been such a pleasant one that I shall
like to have you keep a souvenir of it. . . . .
To one who believes in omens, as I do, who hails the
crescent with a right-shouldered glance, the battle of Mill Spring is something
more than a victory. It is an augury, and it fills me with hope.
I am scribbling the close of this letter in the rooms of the
Examining Board, interrupted by a chat with General Hamilton.
I give you all joy of Kentucky. Will not father allow his
forebodings to be corrected a little? Love to all.
SOURCE: Elizabeth Amelia Dwight, Editor, Life and
Letters of Wilder Dwight: Lieut.-Col. Second Mass. Inf. Vols., p. 191-3
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