Norwich, Conn.
November 17th, 1862.
My own dear Son:
I think I will commence the week by writing a letter to you
who in these times of trouble occupy so large a share of my thoughts. Sam
Elliott was here on Saturday, dined with us and stayed some hours. His sad
condition makes me feel very melancholy. Poor fellow! How he has suffered. I
sometimes wish you were all withdrawn from the Army. Oh! my poor, poor country!
It is so grievous to see our sons and friends maimed, sick, or to know that
they are dead. He (Elliott) tells me you are well, and seem strong. God has
indeed been merciful to spare your life and strength amid such great dangers as
you have passed through during the last eighteen months. Elliott talks of
returning to his duties this week. He certainly ought not, for he is weak,
sick, and unfit for exertion; besides that, he requires the most nourishing
diet. He told me that he found you at breakfast on mouldy bread and sloppy
coffee, while we who are at home doing nothing, are fattening on luxuries.
Oh! my dear, dear son, I feel so anxious about the effect of
this coming cold winter, and I cannot help a feeling of bitterness that you are
not provided with proper food. If you should have an attack of rheumatism, do
get permission to return to be taken care of properly. I hear nothing more of
your prospects in New-York, but am sure your friends will not relax their
exertions. We are all well here, and the Grands are doing finely, especially
the last. A week from Thursday is our Thanksgiving Day in Conn., so we are
expecting Thomas and Lillie to pass the day, after which I shall return with
them to New-York for the winter. Elliott told me when he reached New-York,
being cold, he wrapped around him the blanket Hunt gave him, and as he
staggered from weakness, a police officer arrested him for drunkenness, but released
him immediately on discovering that he was ill. What is the general feeling in
the Army regarding the removal of McClellan, as far as you can judge? Uncle
John is violently opposed to him, and Hunt, I think, partakes of his feelings.
Whether justly, or unjustly, there is certainly a strong party against him. The
Post and Tribune oppose him, the World and Express uphold
him, while the Herald humbly submits its judgment to the will of the
President.
Mary Wells and her husband have returned from Europe, and
are expected here this week. Hannah has nearly, or quite recovered her
strength. I have not much news to tell you. The Twenty-sixth Regt. left last
Thursday, to the relief of some of our citizens. They were in town at all
hours, and a hundred or more at once would run past the guard and rush to their
tents when they pleased. The Lt.-Col. when issuing his orders, would address
them thus: “Gentlemen, please to stand back,” or, “Gentlemen, please to stop,”
when he wished them to halt. This is the gossip. Very few of them were known in
town, and consequently less interest was felt for them than for the Eighteenth
and Twenty-First. Edward Ells, and young Meech who married Louisa Bond went
with them. Gen. Tyler and Ned, Dr. Osgood saw last week in Chicago. He reports
that they are having a rather forlorn time. It is some time since their paroled
prisoners have seen the paymaster. I hear you have been inconvenienced by the
same cause. The papers state that all are now being paid, so I hope you too
will receive your own. Uncle Thomas heard somewhere, that the “De Soto” was off
New Orleans on her way home for repairs. If this is true, Charles may soon be
home.
Good-bye, my own dear son, may the Almighty God be ever your
defence and shield.
Always very lovingly,
Mother.
Elliott said, if the Medical Examiner forbids his return
this week, he should come and see me again. His brother William is in
Washington. His arm is still useless.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 226-8
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