The Daily Dispatch: December 28, 1863., [Electronic resource]

Spicy letter from Leslie Combs to the Dutch Abolitionist Carl Schurz

Frankport, Ky. Nov. 19, 1863.
To the Editor of the Louisville Journal:

I have read a note published in your paper a few days since, over the signature of Cart Sehurs, commenting, as it seems to me, in very unbecoming teems from a man who, from his position in the army, is presumed to be allowed, sometimes, to associate with gentleman — upon a remark made by me in a letter to a friend in New York, which found its way into the public prints, as to his conduct and that of his command at the battle of Chancellorsville, as then presented to the nation by an eye witness, and, so far as I have seen, not subsequently contradicted by any reliable authority.

After some considerable bluster, he very considerately informs me that he is "a first rate pistol shot," and "might probably kill me in a diet," he therefore politely invites me to come to his headquarters, and "share his bed with him," etc.

Now, I am myself a very poor pistol shot, never having fired a pistol a dozen times in my life, nor practiced with any other weapon in order to become a dangerous duellist. Indeed, for more than fifty years I have had but little use of either arm, as can be ascertained by reference to the records of the War Department in Washington. But upon full reflection, first considering his avowed opinions as to human color, and secondly, being very particular in selecting my bed- fellows, I rather incline to run the risk of a pistol shot even from his skillful hand in preference to sleeping one night with him in his own bed, not knowing who might have been my immediate predecessor.

Finally, I respectfully suggest that while Carl Schurz may obtain some unenviable notoriety by passing over thousands of his contemporaries and making an onslaught upon an old soldier, whose history cannot be written by rebels or abolition fanatics, he has added nothing to his fame with those who know the difference between a brave man and a bully.

Respectfully, yours, etc.,

Leslie Combs.