New-York, Jan. 29th, 1863.
My own dear Son:
I enclose a copy of a
letter received by your Uncle Phelps from Col. Allen. Mr. Phelps has been
so good, so kind, so faithful to you and your interests, I can scarcely feel
grateful enough. Now, he wishes me to lay before you the following facts for
your consideration, and as a guide for your decision. Col. Allen says he has
recruited about three hundred men, but owing to desertions he has only one
hundred and fifty in camp, with the promise of two hundred more recruited by
someone else, whom he may or may not receive. After receiving this letter Mr.
Phelps went to Ex-Gov. Morgan who is in the city, and requested him to write
and ask Gov. Seymour to grant a furlough. Gov. M. said it would be of no use,
as Gov. S. had no power; it was for him to give Commissions, and the War
Department to make transfers. He (Gov. M.) however instructed his Secretary to
write Col. Farnsworth requesting him to make an application, or assist you all
in his power to get a furlough. The Gov. didn't know as the Regt. could be
raised, and if it were, Gov. S. might perhaps appoint another Col., and he was
so desponding that Mr. Phelps who had felt elated at your prospects, was so disappointed
that he said to me, “I could have cried.” Then, Mr. Phelps met Mr. S. B.
Chittenden who said to him, “From all I hear of the talents of this young man,
I think in the reorganization of the Army he will be promoted, which will be
better than being troubled with this new Regt.” So you perceive, Mr. Phelps
having your interests so near his heart, scarcely knows how to advise, except
to get a furlough if possible, come on, judge for yourself, and make your own
decision. Col. Allen says, every day almost, ten or fifteen apply at his
office, but finding they are not authorized to give bounties, refuse to enlist.
There is a bill now before the U. S. Senate for the encouragement of
enlistments, offering bounties. I have told all these facts, and now leave the
matter to your consideration. If you wish the Lt.-Colonelcy, I suppose you can
have it at any time. Your own military experience makes you the most competent
judge. Col. Allen wants you, and he thinks if bounties are offered, the Regt.
will be full in four weeks. I cannot advise, but I pray God to guide you
aright. God bless you my own dear son. Always,
Very Lovingly,
Mother.
There are others pressing for the Lt.-Colonelcy, so as soon
as you decide you had better write to your Uncle Phelps. Mayor Opdyke has a
friend, somebody else, one of the Military Committee, also has a friend, but
Col. Allen prefers you if you choose to accept.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 276-7
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