Headquarters 2d Division,
James Island, June 10th, 1862.
My dear Mother:
I saw a few moments ago a mail-bag walking off — hailed it,
and learned that it was going home, and persuaded it to wait a few seconds
until I could inform you that I was still safe in limb and life, though we have
brisk times in our new position. Genl. Stevens you will notice now has charge
of a division. It is a temporary arrangement arising out of the necessities of
the case, but I hope it may result in his confirmation as Major-General. I cannot
yet say if we are surely to reach Charleston, but hope so. The fact is,
I believe Gen. Rosecrans was not far wrong when he charged Genl. Benham with
cowardice, drunkenness, and lying. He was Court Martialed and acquitted, and
sent down here to take charge of our little army. Right or wrong all despise
him. No one trusts him. If we take Charleston it will not be his fault. This is
rather bitter, but it is a shame to put such men in command.
Please send Horace $9.00 as my subscription for the Post.
I agreed to write an occasional letter for that journal, but have never
done so. I shall feel better when it is paid.
When this matter of taking Charleston shall be either
brilliantly consummated, thanks to Wright and Stevens, or shall have fizzled
out through the folly of Hunter and Benham, if still safe in life and limb, I
trust I shall see you once more, but Quien Sabe. We have fighting every
day now and new victims swell the list of the battlefield.
Give my best love, my darling mother, to my sisters and all
my dear friends.
Your affec. and
sleepy son,
will.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 152
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