Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Harvard Memorial Biographies

‘ [295] friends to lose him .... Tell——not to feel anxious, and don't you feel anxious, dear, about anybody. It is not our business.’

August 1.

Everything that comes about Rob shows his death to have been more and more completely that which every soldier and every man would long to die; but it is given to very few, for very few do their duty as Rob did. I am thankful they buried him “with his niggers.” They were brave men, and they were his men.

Colonel Lowell married on the 31st of October, 1863. He has left a daughter, Carlotta Russell Lowell, born after his death.

The season of 1863-64 was one of great tranquillity. Mrs. Lowell was able to accompany her husband to the army, and to remain at Vienna for several months; and though Colonel Lowell was constantly employed in the distasteful service to which he had been assigned, it was not till midsummer that he found again the opportunity of distinguishing himself in the open field.

In July, 1864, he took a conspicuous part in resisting General Early, who in that month made a demonstration upon Washington. On the 14th of July, going on a reconnoissance, with his own regiment and an additional battalion, he sent a part of his command forward, and himself followed with the remainder. A little beyond Rockville, the column was suddenly overwhelmed by a greatly superior force of the enemy, and took up a rapid retreat. Just as Colonel Lowell had reached the middle of the town, the flying battalion came charging down upon him. He had not even time to turn his men. There was a violent collision; and then the whole brigade went whirling in mad confusion towards Washington. The enemy were at their heels. With brilliant audacity, Lowell shouted the order, ‘Dismount!’ Seizing their carbines, the men sprang from their saddles at the word of their dauntless commander. In another instant, they were in line. On came the assailants; but, as they drew near, such a deadly volley was poured into their ranks that both horses and riders recoiled before it.. Lowell saw the enemy waver, advanced, and turned