Meridian Hill, Washington.
Aug. 11th, 1861.
My dear Mother:
I have been overjoyed by a visit from Hunt, who has now
probably returned home and reports me hearty and well. I have been fortunate in
meeting several friends most unexpectedly during the last few days. Miss Woolsey
was at our encampment on some errand of mercy yesterday evening. I saw her for
a few moments, and promised to call upon her and Mrs. Howland soon, which I
shall do if allowed to leave the camp. The laws are very strict though now, and
I doubt whether I shall be able to leave the camp for some time to come. We are
now going through a stage dreaded by all officers in the army, viz: that
immediately following upon pay-day. Notwithstanding the utmost precautions the
men contrive to obtain liquor, and when intoxicated are well-nigh
uncontrollable, so that the utmost vigilance is needful. As the number of our
officers is but small we are kept almost constantly active. When the money is
once spent we will then breathe more freely. To-morrow I am to be the officer
commanding the Guard, so I am scribbling a few lines rapidly to-night, as I
shall be too busy to attend to such things to-morrow, and the following day too
exhausted to do much after twenty-four hour's exertion. You see all the labors
of an officer generally are compressed into short seasons of unexampled labor,
and long periods of repose. We have now a new Colonel — Governor Stevens of
Washington Territory. He seems to be a first class man. His advent among us was
inaugurated by an order for us young officers to leave the pleasant rooms we
occupied when Hunt was with us, and to return to our tents. This was as it
should be; and other strict measures toward officers and men show that he is
the right sort of a commander for a Regiment like ours, requiring a strong firm
hand to govern it. I trust we may continue to be satisfied with him as our
chief officer.
I begin to regard it as a little doubtful as to whether we
really return to New York. Military men regard such a movement as
unprecedented, and as affording a dangerous example. We will see how it is to
end. You ask me regarding Gen’l Tyler! I will answer with all candor that he
acted with the utmost bravery on the day of the fight. It was owing to his
prompt and energetic action that once, after our Regiment was scattered, when
weary and exhausted, having also (Elliott assisting) the additional burden of
our wounded Captain to bear away, we escaped a cavalry charge in which many of
our men were taken prisoners. When the cavalry came in sight, and all was in
confusion, you could hear his quick, sharp voice rallying the disheartened to
make such a stand as alone would ensure them victory. The men rallied, poured a
volley of musketry into the foe galloping upon us, at the same time giving them
two fatal shots from a couple of artillery pieces which luckily were in our
possession — at which time I must mention the activity displayed by Ned Harland
too. The fire was effective, the cavalry retreated and we marched on unharmed.
Such things should shut the mouths of slander. Gen'l Tyler unfortunately played
a leading part in a fatal engagement, and consequently must bear an undue share
of blame. His great fault seems to have been an overweening confidence in our
strength, and a great undervaluation of the enemy. Since the fight I regret to
say a spirit of bitterness pervades his conversation as well as his official
report of the battle.
I have just seen Lieut.-Col. Elliott, and feel more reason
to hope we may return, as was before promised. Give the best of love to all,
And believe me,
Very Affec'y.,
William T. Lusk.
SOURCE: William Chittenden Lusk, Editor, War Letters
of William Thompson Lusk, p. 70-2
