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281 CHAPTER EIGHT • War’sEnd 1 January–7 March 1865 Colonel Carter began the year 1865 at Fishersville still in command of the artillery of Lieutenant General Jubal Early’s Army of the Valley because Brigadier General Long had not yet returned from sick leave. Carter spent most of January trying to secure a thirty-day furlough for himself. He also was doing his best to keep his former battalions together in the face of requests that they be returned to Richmond and converted into heavy artillery . In frustration, Carter considered asking for a transfer to another arm of the service, but in the end, he chose to remain where he was. To Susan he proclaimed: “I would rather be a Lieutenant in the Artillery than a Colonel of Infantry.”1 On 31 January, Carter received his long-hoped-for furlough from the War Department. As he later explained, “It was the parting favor of Ja[me]s A. Seddon . . . as he left office & was succeeded by [John C.] Breckinridge.” Two days later, Carter boarded a train at the nearby depot and made his way to Richmond. With him rode the men and ordnance of Carter Braxton’s and Wilfred Cutshaw’s battalions.2 k January 1st 1865 My precious Wife, Since writing the enclosed letter I received a letter from Genl Long in which he states that he will go to Richd tomorrow & on his return in a few days will resume his duties. I therefore send Martin down to tell you not to come as I will apply for a furlough of twenty days as soon as 1. OR 46[2]:1083; THC to SRC, 28 Jan. 1865. 2. Special Orders No. 25, 31 Jan. 1865, in Special Orders of the Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office, 85; THC to Robert Powel Page, 11 Jan. 1897, THCP, 1850–1915, VHS; OR 46[1]:513. 282 • War’s End Long takes command. I presume he will take command about tomorrow week & I will apply at once for leave, if Genl Early refuses it[,] which I do not expect[,] you can then come on. It is best I should get my furlough now so as to save you a trip. Otherwise you would make two probably. This management will not interfere with Stanard & Straith. I will send them James to cook. I am sorry you have kept James. It will subject me to inconvenience to be without either himself or Martin. You kept Martin last summer over his time; it is always best not to interfere with my arrangements because I make them knowing many circumstances which you cannot know. I am not certain whether you will come to H[ickory] Hill or to Richd. I will send Martin by Hanover Ct House so as to hear of you there & telegraph to Richd in case you come that way. I fear you will have started & have had the discomfort of the carriage journey in either event, but I only heard today from Genl Long that he would come so soon. Send James up as soon as you get this. I imagine there will be no difficulty in getting my leave of absence next week. When Genl Long assumes command my duties will be merely nominal, a stepping stone between his office & the two Battns (if I get another with Cutshaw’s) which is not necessary & which has not existed in the Army except in the 2nd Corps & A.V. D. by order of Genl Long. If there is a difficulty then you will come at once. Heard a good sermon today from Mr Lacy.3 I am glad to hear Genl Lee favours the enlistment of negroes. Shirley writes me today that you got the little books for the children. I will write you when to send for me. I will go to Richd. God bless you. Kiss the dear little ones. Y[ou]r devoted husband k 3. The Reverend Beverley Tucker Lacy (1819–1900) was a Presbyterian minister who served as chaplain at large for the 2nd Corps. He had been a particular favorite of General Jackson. Campbell Brown, General Ewell’s assistant adjutant and inspector general, wrote after the war that Lacy “was very fond of eating & jokes—some not very clerical.” Brown also remembered that although Lacy could deliver “an eloquent sermon, [he] did not advance the cause of religion much at our Hd. Qrs. while he staid there” (Pitts, Chaplains in Gray, 147; Jones, Campbell Brown’s Civil War, 53). [18.221.146.223...

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