Washington, D.C., May 25, 1861.
To the Father and Mother of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth:
My dear Sir and Madam: In the untimely loss of your noble son, our
affliction here is scarcely less than your own. So much of promised
usefulness to one's country, and of bright hopes for one's self and
friends, have rarely been so suddenly dashed as in his fall. In size,
in years, and in youthful appearance a boy only, his power to command
men was surpassingly great. This power, combined with a fine
intellect, an indomitable energy, and a taste altogether military,
constituted in him, as seemed to me, the best natural talent in that
department I ever knew.
And yet, he was singularly modest and deferential in social
intercourse. My acquaintance with him began less than two years ago;
yet through the latter part of the intervening period it was as
intimate as the disparity of our ages and my engrossing engagements
would permit. To me he appeared to have no indulgences or pastimes;
and I never heard him utter a profane or an intemperate word. What was
conclusive of his good heart, he never forgot his parents. The honors
he labored for so laudably, and for which in the sad end he so
gallantly gave his life, he meant for them no less than for himself.
In the hope that it may be no intrusion upon the sacredness of your
sorrow, I have ventured to address you this tribute to the memory of my
young friend and your brave and early fallen child.
May God give you that consolation which is beyond all earthly power.
Sincerely your friend in a common affliction,