74th New York Infantry - Wounded at Chancellorsville

Item LTR-434

Description

6 page original Civil War soldier's letter written in period ink and war dated.

United States Hotel
Washington

December 16th 1863

Dear George,

I received yours of the 8th today, from Camp with the accompanying letter. If I had gotten that letter when I was at your house, as I ought, I could have gone to Albany at the time, as it contained information which I did not get until I got back to camp. How the devil that went to New Orleans I can’t see. If it had been one of no importance it would have come straight.

What I want to say to Governor L. is that I am the choice of the regiment. That I have done more to organize, discipline and drill the regiment than any other officer. That I have had command longer than any one else. That I had been with it in every engagement, skirmish, etc., up to the time I was wounded at Chancellorsville. At which time I had the regiment at an acknowledged state of discipline superior to that under any previous commander.

After my being wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Holt was placed in command of my regiment and as I was informed it was only temporary. But in a few weeks he came to New York and was commissioned a Colonel. He had only been in command about two months, was my junior by commission, and by his promotion, I the only field officer that was wounded, am the only one that has not been promoted. The very fact that I was almost fatally wounded militates against my military reputation, since the General supposition is that there must have been some good reason, some concealed demerit, that would cause the Governor to place a junior Lieutenant Colonel over one who had been so badly wounded. My own impression is that the Governor has acted under misrepresentation. Among which I learned it was urged that I was too badly wounded ever to return to the regiment. But now that I have returned, all I ask is that Holt’s commission may be revoked and a new one issued to me. By a decision of the War Department, he cannot be mustered as Colonel, because the regiment is reduced below the number which entitles it to a Colonel, not having one quarter the number. He cannot take command as Lieutenant Colonel because I outrank him and he would be forced to go back to his old regiment. A good deal of trouble would be prevented if his commission were revoked. And this could be done because his promotion was in violation of the Military Act of ’53.

If I were commissioned, I could assume the rank and the honor of the office, being in command, but could no be mustered or receive the pay. This I don’t care anything about. But I do think that I have done my duty so well that I am entitled to have every regard paid to my military reputation.

Another thing. The promotion of Holt will involve the promotion to Major in the 1st Excelsior of a man who has never known a sober moment since he entered the Army in June 1861. So his brother officers say. I must confess I never saw him sober. Holt himself never goes into a fight unless his pocket pistol is well loaded and he is as crazy in a fight as a man can be. After I returned to the regiment and receiving the congratulations of my officers and men, there was a universal expression of the hope that he would not be the Colonel. That although he was a very clever fellow, and evidently brave, they did not want to go into the fight with him again. I know it will give greater satisfaction to the officers and men of my regiment to have his commission revoked than it will give me. But enough of this. If your friend can make anything out of this he will do me and many others a great favor.

I received a letter from Julia since I came here and as Campbell has been to see you, she knows that I am safe and in good quarters. I am growing quite heavy again. I have gained eight pounds since I left home and am on the increase. My face is bad yet, but it has improved in the last two or three days.

I expect daily to be detailed on Court Martial here and that will necessitate my remaining here some months. The extra compensation will more than pay my expenses here, so that I am well situated.

Remember me to the Hudsons and to Cam Allen when you see him. Also to the Captain. Tell him that I have not gotten those straps on but I have “smelt powder” again and that is worth something.

Give my love to Julia and the children and accept this from

Yours truly,

W. H. Lounsbury
Lieutenant Colonel
74th New York Volunteers