Disgusted With The Political Appointed Officers Who Rejoice Over The War

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War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Sgt. Gustavus B. Williams (signed husband Gustavus), Co. K, 51st Mass. Vols., "Guard tent, Foster's Barracks., Newbern, N. C., Dec. 28, 1862," in part: "…there is little passing in and out of camp…the sentinels have the countersign and decide all ordinary cases…we are bored to death here with rumors. 'Burnside is removed.' 'An armistice of thirty days has been agreed on.' 'Gen. Foster is relieved of his command.'…everybody hopes the armistice is agreed on…I find myself greatly disturbed…of your failure to get your…state aid…I have ordered twenty dollars to be sent you…repay your father and if possible avoid borrowing from him. State to me how much you will…likely need…and it shall be forth coming. It annoys me…to have you get the money from your father…in the two battles of Kingston and Whitehall our loss was not 1000 counting killed, wounded and missing…Geo. Greene who…was guard on one of the boats which brought back the wounded says there were three hundred…our officers are generally…devoid of patriotism and the men, knowing this, reluctantly follow them and feel hopeless…the army has become a great opening for…selfish men who ride into commissions as they ride into political office…and rejoice in the war…[in] our own Co. officers do very well [&] satisfy the men…if Kimball fails…Howe stands a good chance to go a captain though my opinion of him is unchanged and my voice and vote…will be against his promotion…as to your coming to me here…only a pass from the secretary of war would be likely to bring civilians into Newbern…Capt. Kimball's delay is very vexing. All say let him appear or resign…Moran has a barbarous little doggerel rhyme…attempting to take off Harris Dresser, Jordan and others. It is horrible. I half believe he wrote it and got it published…our wretched fools here think it smart. Oh what imbecily men are capable of…thank Heaven they cant get any rum here…". VG

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