Fitz Hollister: Reenlistment and Furlough

I respect Fitz in his judgement, though think he misconceived things. He very likely will make out what will be to you some very biting remarks about Dwight and I because we have been so cool. 

When my course was decided, I was as quiet as if nothing was going on. Outside men were walking about; they couldn’t keep still. Men who hated the service terribly—some who had mothers depending wholly on them, some wives or what will be some time. And they could not rest until the fated name had been written. One fellow got up at ll o’clock, with the intention of doing as others had done, walked the length of the street and went back to bed. The fourth night he said he believed he should have to enlist to save his life. He hadn’t slept any in four nights and he’d begun to want some rest—and that decided him. When he came back he said he guessed he could sleep now.

A few of the men reenlisted for the money. A very few because they wanted to see the war through. (good fellows.) The tide began to set towards reenlistment and the men were swept along in the current and reenlisted. They and their friends will never know the wherefore. We had about 300 able-bodied men and about 50 disabled. 280 men have reenlisted and been accepted, leaving 35 or 40 able-bodied members who have not reenlisted.  

In Company I, 27 men have reenlisted and been accepted. (Of the 7 men remaining) four are either wholly disabled or are broken down by the service, so much they think they couldn’t stand three years more. Lucius is among that number. The other three are Bocrun, Dwight & myself. 

The men are talking and thinking how they can get new coats & pants so they will look well when they appear in Hartford. As if the service worn clothes are not ornamental. It seems to me as if it would pay some of you to go to Hartford to meet Fitz and William. These Veterans are nothing more than men such as you have seen. Still I think almost any man with patriotic sentiments in his bosom would swell with pride to look on a band of men (and the old flag) who have endured, faced danger, been patient and struggled with life’s enemies for the cause they have.

It is generally understood that the llth and 8th are going to Hartford togegther on the same boat to New Haven. It is possible I may know exactly when they are to leave here before I send this. I wonder if I have written enough about this matter!


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