[July 10, 1862]
My last letter to
you, written two or three days ago, was rather blue I think. I had then been
here a day or two, and the reaction from the excitement of the previous ten
days weighed heavily upon me. I felt weak and sick. I now feel better. But I
must say that although this army is safe, I do not think the prospect of an
early and successful termination of the war is bright.
I spoke in my letter
of the twenty-sixth of being unwell. I was very weak on the twenty-seventh; was
taken with a fit of vomiting and was obliged to dismount for a few minutes. I
soon returned to the field, or rather I did not leave the field, but went to a
place in the shade.
On Monday I had a
position assigned to my division which I was to defend. I did it in my own way,
and have the satisfaction of knowing that I saved hundreds of lives. I tried to
save life by carefully posting my troops and using my artillery. I have allowed
matters connected with our movements here to worry me until I came near being
sick; but I know I can do no good. Things must take their course, and I made up
my mind to get a good novel and try to forget everything here.
I feel better to-day
than I have in several days. Rest and quiet will soon make me all right. I
dreamed every night after our arrival of being on the march, of losing wagons,
artillery, etc. I do not want you to think I have been sick, but I got rather
worn and nervous.
SOURCE: New York
(State). Monuments Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and
Chattanooga, In Memoriam : Henry Warner
Slocum, 1826-1894, p. 70-1
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