How did Elisha Hunt Rhodes able to justify the suffering endured by the Union troops?

The second half of 1862, 150 years ago, saw some momentous events in the life of Elisha Hunt Rhodes, a Civil War soldier from the village of Pawtuxet, Cranston, who entered military service for the Union in July 1861, as a private and left it four years later as a colonel.

Rhodes was delighted to obtain a commission as a second lieutenant, effective July 24, 1862. He was understandably proud of his achievement. On September 5 he noted in his diary that his brigade commander, Colonel Frank Wheaton, congratulated him on his promotion. “Well, I am proud, and I think I have a right to be, for 13 months ago I enlisted as a private and I am now an officer.” Two days later he indicated: “I am very happy over my promotion, for I am one of the youngest officers, being only 20 years old and seven months.”