24 West 31st Street,
New-York, Jan. 18th, 1863.
My own dear Son:
I hope my letters reach you more regularly than yours do me,
for I write faithfully, and have great pleasure in the thought that my written
words keep you connected with, and interested in, the events transpiring at
home. A rumor was in circulation last night, that the rebels had crossed the
Rappahannock and that our army were fighting their way back to Washington. A
young man told me also last night, that a gentleman just arrived from
Burnside's Army, told him it was owing entirely to Lee's humanity that our
forces escaped entire annihilation after the battle of Fredericksburg. Don't
think we credit such absurdities; I only show how secession sympathizers spread
reports. The story is this: Lee seeing the danger of our army, and being humane
and generous, sent to Burnside, offering him six hours to depart peacefully,
which Burnside of course gladly accepted. New-York is full of Southern people
in full sympathy with the South, bitter in word and action, and my blood often
boils with indignation though I keep usually a quiet tongue. The news of our
Western victories, and the intercepted rebel correspondence, make them rather
more spicy than usual. You will see the disgraceful proceedings about the
election of a Speaker in Albany. The Republicans behave far better than the
Democrats. Oh! I am sick. I have been in the house a week with a cold, and I
long again for fresh air and freedom. We had a pleasant call yesterday from
Abby and Carrie Woolsey. Their brother is on the staff of Gen. Seth Williams
who is one of Burnside's staff. Carrie said she should write him to try and see
you, as she thought you might find it pleasant to meet.
To-morrow evening we are going to meet a few friends at Mrs.
Gilman's. Mrs. Perkins (Tom's Mother) is there on a visit. I am sorry you see
no hope of a furlough or promotion. I do not know how things progress here, but
I do know Mr. Phelps is still actively at work. The party in power is somewhat
opposed to enlistments, or rather does not encourage them. However the Military
Department will control that matter I suppose in future.
Jane and Georgie Woolsey are nursing in a hospital near
Newport. A corps of ladies acting under the direction of the Surgeon-General,
takes charge of the department of the very sick, giving their time and their means
to this noble object. Georgie assisted a good deal in the Peninsular Campaign.
It is refreshing to meet a whole family so devoted to one cause. Miss Kitty
Elliott wants to do something of the same kind, and if I had strength I would
not hesitate for one moment, but I am too nervous and good for nothing.
General McClellan is living in a new house next to us. The
house was presented him by some of his friends. Cousin Henry and Louisa have
just been in to tell me that they heard through Dr. McDonald that you had
applied for a furlough on the 13th, and would probably get it. Can it be
possible? I cannot believe such joy is in store for me.
Good-bye, God grant us strength to bear, and thankful hearts
for all his mercies.
Very lovingly,
Mother.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 269-71
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