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The Civil War

Title: Lucius Hubbard Writes About the End of the War
Type: Letter
Date: 1865
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: Lucius F. Hubbard wrote this letter to his aunt after hearing of the end of the war and the assassination of President Lincoln.

Transcription:

71

fatigue were forgotten; the weary became rested and the footsore suddenly cured. Officers and soldiers abandoned themselves to the most extravagant demonstrations of joy. Everybody cheered and shouted until they were hoarse. The men disregarding orders and discipline, fired a salute with their muskets on their own account. They pulled and hustled each other about, stood on their heads, rolled in the dirt and were guilty of innumerable other absurd performances; indeed, they were positively frantic for awhile. But all our joy was turned to sorrow, and our rejoicing to the deepest mourning upon our arrival here, to learn of the death by assassination of President Lincoln and Secy. Seward. Secretary of State Seward actually survived his wounds. What a terrible calamity, and to occur just at this crisis. There is a feeling of regret among the troops that the war is likely soon to cease. They feel that the President's assassination calls for a terrible vengeance, and they regard themselves the proper instruments for its execution. Woe be to the people of the south, if hostilities again commence. Begin. In President Lincoln they lost their best friend.

Our route up the country did not take us via. Selma, hence, I have had no opportunity as yet to make inquiries regarding Helen. Your last letter however, informs me that she would probably leave the south for Vermont early this spring. I am not therefore, so anxious to go there. If we remain long in this vicinity, I may perhaps run down to Selma for a day or two. the town is garrisoned by a division of the 13th A. C. I am informed the place is almost in ruins, it having been sacked and burned by Wilsons cavalry raid nearly a month ago. I hope Helen left there before the occurrence.

You are quite mistaken in supposing that my appointment as Brig. Genl. by Brevet was not confirmed. Mine was among the first confirmations in Congress last inter. I did not direct a change of address, for the reason that other than in the title, there was no change to be make, and in that particular I concluded that my friends would need no suggestions. Whether addressed as Brig. Genl. or Col. if the Corps and division is given, I am likely to get the letters.

I suppose you are hoping soon to hear that I am out of the service and at home. I had made up my mind to quit, as soon as I could become satisfied that the war was practically over, and no more fighting to be done; but since learning of the assassination of the President, I have re-

______________________

9. An attempt was made on the life of Secretary of State William H. Seward on the same night as Lincoln's assassination (April 14, 1865). He did not die.

[page 2]

72

solved to remain until I am positively sure there is no further need of my services. I shall then very gladly leave the service and return to more congenial pursuits.

We are situated very pleasantly just at present, being encamped near the city of Montgomery, and with very little to do. Montgomery is a beautiful place, but in its business aspects more quiet than Chester. I haven't formed the acquaintance of any of its citizens, and don't propose to if I can help it.

We are in a state of doubt and uncertainty regarding recent events. The latest papers received here, are New Orleans dates of the 17th of April; you can therefore judge of our anxiety to hear the results of negotiations pending at our last accounts. I wonder if you saw any mention of the part my command sustained in the operations about Mobile. I captured eleven peices of artillery and a considerable body of prisoners in the taking of "Spanish Fort". A correspondent of the New York Herald attached to the 16th A. C. gave quite an elaborate account of the doings of my brigade. I have heard nothing from Juli or Lu since I last wrote you. We have received however, but one mail since the 13th of April. If Lu. and Helen are with you, give them my best love, also Aunt Anna and ask them all to write to me. My health is good, and I am in all respects comfortable.

I enclose $10.

Yours always

Lucius

Demopolis Alabama
June 4th 1865

My dear Aunt Mary

I imagine you will open this letter with the expectation of receiving an assurance that I am about to come home. As the war is over, and the army in process of being disbanded, you wil conclude thate is no reason why I should remain longer in the service, and naturally expect me to retire from it at once. I fear you will feel some disappointment upon learning that my connection with the army is likely to continue for a few weeks longer. If consulting my own wishes was to determine the question, I should hardly remain past the time necessary to observe the formalities of "mustering out"; but my command has so earnestly protested against my leaving them just now, that I have consented to postpone action in the matter for the present. My brigade being composed of veterans, is not included in that class of troops being mustered our under existing orders, and it is expected that the government will retain