LoweLL, April (27), 1861
DEAREST: We are still in doubt where you are, but think you
must be in Washington by this. Mr. Kimball told me today a letter came from his
father yesterday saying you would go to Washington directly. And Mrs. Kimball
said, from the Dr., that you’re astonishing everybody by your executive
ability.
I wrote a note and sent it by Harriet, but feel no certainty
you will get it. She has gone with Mr. Read, for Blanche. But whether they will
get through we cannot tell. There has been great fear that Washington would be
attacked and defeated before our troops arrived. That accounts for our sending
for Blanche. I don’t know but you will think it premature. I shall send this by
Dr. Kimball if he goes in a day or two. And now how do you like this life? Will
the glorious excitement more than balance the labour and anxiety? I hope so.
One who strives as you do ought to meet his reward somewhere. I do not much
like these last lines but I must leave them. The fact is I am so down I could
cry outright sometimes, but that I must bestir myself for others. Jackson must
be of infinite service to you in every way. I am so glad he is with you now. To
think of you there alone would be intolerable. Monday, got your telegram. Feel
more easy. Tuesday, your short letter came. I shall send this by the same person
who brought yours. I should like to go if it would answer, and you are to be
there any time. Gilman is crazy to start; he would enlist if he thought you
would not send for him. Brady is starting a company to be called the Butler
Rifle Guards. Everybody is wild with excitement. The ladies are making
soldiers’ shirts and rolling up bandages. I would gladly go to you if you would
not find me an incumbrance.
Always yours,
SARAH
SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and
Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the
Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 51-2
No comments:
Post a Comment