{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=United+States%E2%80%94History%E2%80%94Civil+War%2C+1861-1865%E2%80%94Home+life\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1865","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=United+States%E2%80%94History%E2%80%94Civil+War%2C+1861-1865%E2%80%94Home+life\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1865\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":9,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Comer Family Civil War letter","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Comer Family","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_490.xml","title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 January 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 January 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"text":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490","Comer Family Civil War letter","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Dr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia.","Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C.","This collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Comer Family"],"creator_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creator_famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creators_ssim":["Comer Family"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"date_range_isim":[1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/3379\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Dr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Doctor\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA. Comer Asst Surgeon\u003cbr\u003e\nA.T. C. C.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eComer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. 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The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_6d81a61038482c1e78aab81d1cad2616\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"persname_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:24.750Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_490.xml","title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 January 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 January 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"text":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490","Comer Family Civil War letter","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Dr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia.","Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C.","This collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Comer Family"],"creator_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creator_famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creators_ssim":["Comer Family"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. 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Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA. Comer Asst Surgeon\u003cbr\u003e\nA.T. C. C.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eComer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. 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Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_6d81a61038482c1e78aab81d1cad2616\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"persname_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:24.750Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Johnson Family papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"places_ssim":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"places_ssim":["West Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"text":["Mark B. Hardin collection","Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence","English .","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin","title_ssm":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin"],"title_tesim":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 June 29"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":5,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1865],"names_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eElizabeth - New Jersey\u003cbr/\u003e\nJune 29th 1865\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr/\u003e\nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHaving in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026amp; anxious years.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMore than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026amp; subject to the future order of the court.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed.\u003cbr/\u003e\nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather\u003cbr/\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate."],"_nest_path_":"/components#4","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_628.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00068.xml","title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1849-1947"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1947"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"text":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628","Mark B. Hardin collection","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.","Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.","Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creators_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["20 items"],"extent_tesim":["20 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAt the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWashington. April 21st 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCaptain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd now as it is getting late I must end my letter.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nSon\u003cbr\u003e\nM B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eApl. 24, 1849\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026amp; I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBest love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026amp; green peas \u0026amp; perhaps strawberries?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye -\u003cbr\u003e\nyour devoted husband\u003cbr\u003e\nL B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBattery 8, Richmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJan'y 3rd 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter yesterday \u0026amp; was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026amp; will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026amp; accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026amp; troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026amp; visit you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026amp; more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026amp; Providence that these anticipations may be realized.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026amp; that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAn under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must look around too, and try \u0026amp; find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026amp; you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026amp; tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026amp; manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026amp; Johnny are doing.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWho directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo Susan L. Hardin\u003cbr\u003e\n\u0026amp; John H. Hardin \u003cbr\u003e\nElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 19, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear children\u003cbr\u003e\nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026amp; friendly intercourse.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWithin one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026amp; myself here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBoth his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour anxious Grandfather,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington D.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 25 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026amp; it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026amp; in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026amp; clothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026amp; a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026amp; H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026amp; there remains over \u0026amp; above these claims between 4 \u0026amp; 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026amp; held by the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBesides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026amp; a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are all well \u0026amp; living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026amp; your brother \u0026amp; in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane\u003cbr\u003e\nMost affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nYours\u003cbr\u003e\nW.P. Johnston\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026amp; at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth - New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 29th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026amp; anxious years.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMore than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026amp; subject to the future order of the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed.\u003cbr\u003e\nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington, July 10th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just arrived here \u0026amp; have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026amp; John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026amp; sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026amp; establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026amp; let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026amp; John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026amp; deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026amp; bend our energies to the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026amp; friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026amp; will give you more news at another time.\u003cbr\u003e\nEver your devoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 9th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026amp; Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026amp; little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026amp; yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026amp; he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026amp; Grandma \u0026amp; ask their advice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026amp; can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026amp; leisure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAddress all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026amp; the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026amp; John. Write often Sue \u0026amp; do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026amp; family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI sent you 33 stamps\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nSep 7th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026amp; I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJust as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026amp; is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026amp; go on this fall \u0026amp; see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026amp; remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026amp; that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to be established some of these days \u0026amp; have a house of my own where you \u0026amp; I \u0026amp; John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel relieved when I know that you \u0026amp; John will not suffer \u0026amp; that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must be hopeful \u0026amp; not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026amp; write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nYour devoted bro(ther)\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 26, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susie,\u003cbr\u003e\nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026amp; Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026amp; Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026amp; would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJohnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePresent my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncles Bernard \u0026amp; Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026amp; very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026amp; then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026amp; Geo, regularly at school - \u0026amp; Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026amp; much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026amp; Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026amp; unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026amp; all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just received your letter \u0026amp; hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026amp; if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy business has improved some lately \u0026amp; I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026amp; have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026amp; improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026amp; not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026amp; don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026amp; ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026amp; Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; Aunts Mary \u0026amp; Ellen, Phil, \u0026amp; in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 6th 1867\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026amp; Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026amp; the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026amp; serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026amp; am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026amp; I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026amp; sends now his love to Johnny \u0026amp; yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026amp; that I am always your\u003cbr\u003e\nDevoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026amp; in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026amp; was glad to meet him \u0026amp; hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026amp; Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose a photograph. When you \u0026amp; Johnny can have some taken send me one.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 2, 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026amp; to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026amp; your grandma \u0026amp; remember me to your Uncle Walter.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 6th 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026amp; I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026amp; taking some interest in his studies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; believe me yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Lexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 18th 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhy have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026amp; Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026amp; hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza when you see them \u0026amp; tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet.\u003cbr\u003e\nWith best love yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJany 23rd 1873\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026amp; cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026amp; expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad that you \u0026amp; your family are well \u0026amp; that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026amp; established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026amp; made a reputation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStill if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026amp; asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026amp; the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026amp; little brother Lauriston \u0026amp; next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026amp; therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026amp; to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026amp; I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026amp; he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026amp; again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma, \u0026amp; Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nMBH\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College, S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 7th 1895\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 28 1897\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026amp; see you \u0026amp; Sue but found that I could not spare the time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026amp; that Sue's girls \u0026amp; mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 24 99\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_e0d9a120fef53a46cb1e04641aa99546\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"famname_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":20,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c05"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"text":["Mark B. Hardin collection","Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence","English .","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin","title_ssm":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin"],"title_tesim":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 June 19"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from Bernard Hooe to Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":3,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1865],"names_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eTo Susan L. Hardin\u003cbr/\u003e\n\u0026amp; John H. Hardin \u003cbr/\u003e\nElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr/\u003e\nJune 19, 1865\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear children\u003cbr/\u003e\nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026amp; friendly intercourse.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSince we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWithin one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAnd I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026amp; myself here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBoth his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAll the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open.\u003cbr/\u003e\nYour anxious Grandfather,\u003cbr/\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war."],"_nest_path_":"/components#2","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_628.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00068.xml","title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1849-1947"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1947"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"text":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628","Mark B. Hardin collection","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.","Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.","Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creators_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["20 items"],"extent_tesim":["20 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAt the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWashington. April 21st 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCaptain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd now as it is getting late I must end my letter.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nSon\u003cbr\u003e\nM B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eApl. 24, 1849\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026amp; I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBest love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026amp; green peas \u0026amp; perhaps strawberries?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye -\u003cbr\u003e\nyour devoted husband\u003cbr\u003e\nL B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBattery 8, Richmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJan'y 3rd 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter yesterday \u0026amp; was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026amp; will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026amp; accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026amp; troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026amp; visit you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026amp; more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026amp; Providence that these anticipations may be realized.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026amp; that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAn under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must look around too, and try \u0026amp; find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026amp; you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026amp; tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026amp; manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026amp; Johnny are doing.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWho directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo Susan L. Hardin\u003cbr\u003e\n\u0026amp; John H. Hardin \u003cbr\u003e\nElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 19, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear children\u003cbr\u003e\nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026amp; friendly intercourse.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWithin one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026amp; myself here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBoth his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour anxious Grandfather,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington D.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 25 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026amp; it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026amp; in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026amp; clothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026amp; a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026amp; H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026amp; there remains over \u0026amp; above these claims between 4 \u0026amp; 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026amp; held by the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBesides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026amp; a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are all well \u0026amp; living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026amp; your brother \u0026amp; in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane\u003cbr\u003e\nMost affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nYours\u003cbr\u003e\nW.P. Johnston\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026amp; at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth - New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 29th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026amp; anxious years.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMore than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026amp; subject to the future order of the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed.\u003cbr\u003e\nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington, July 10th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just arrived here \u0026amp; have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026amp; John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026amp; sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026amp; establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026amp; let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026amp; John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026amp; deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026amp; bend our energies to the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026amp; friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026amp; will give you more news at another time.\u003cbr\u003e\nEver your devoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 9th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026amp; Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026amp; little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026amp; yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026amp; he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026amp; Grandma \u0026amp; ask their advice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026amp; can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026amp; leisure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAddress all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026amp; the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026amp; John. Write often Sue \u0026amp; do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026amp; family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI sent you 33 stamps\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nSep 7th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026amp; I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJust as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026amp; is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026amp; go on this fall \u0026amp; see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026amp; remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026amp; that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to be established some of these days \u0026amp; have a house of my own where you \u0026amp; I \u0026amp; John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel relieved when I know that you \u0026amp; John will not suffer \u0026amp; that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must be hopeful \u0026amp; not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026amp; write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nYour devoted bro(ther)\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 26, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susie,\u003cbr\u003e\nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026amp; Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026amp; Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026amp; would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJohnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePresent my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncles Bernard \u0026amp; Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026amp; very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026amp; then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026amp; Geo, regularly at school - \u0026amp; Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026amp; much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026amp; Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026amp; unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026amp; all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just received your letter \u0026amp; hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026amp; if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy business has improved some lately \u0026amp; I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026amp; have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026amp; improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026amp; not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026amp; don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026amp; ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026amp; Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; Aunts Mary \u0026amp; Ellen, Phil, \u0026amp; in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 6th 1867\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026amp; Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026amp; the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026amp; serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026amp; am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026amp; I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026amp; sends now his love to Johnny \u0026amp; yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026amp; that I am always your\u003cbr\u003e\nDevoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026amp; in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026amp; was glad to meet him \u0026amp; hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026amp; Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose a photograph. When you \u0026amp; Johnny can have some taken send me one.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 2, 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026amp; to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026amp; your grandma \u0026amp; remember me to your Uncle Walter.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 6th 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026amp; I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026amp; taking some interest in his studies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; believe me yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Lexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 18th 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhy have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026amp; Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026amp; hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza when you see them \u0026amp; tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet.\u003cbr\u003e\nWith best love yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJany 23rd 1873\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026amp; cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026amp; expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad that you \u0026amp; your family are well \u0026amp; that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026amp; established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026amp; made a reputation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStill if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026amp; asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026amp; the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026amp; little brother Lauriston \u0026amp; next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026amp; therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026amp; to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026amp; I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026amp; he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026amp; again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma, \u0026amp; Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nMBH\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College, S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 7th 1895\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 28 1897\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026amp; see you \u0026amp; Sue but found that I could not spare the time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026amp; that Sue's girls \u0026amp; mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 24 99\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_e0d9a120fef53a46cb1e04641aa99546\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"famname_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":20,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c03"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"text":["Comer Family Civil War letter","Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer","Comer Family","Hanley, Timothy","Hanley, Timothy","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)","English .","Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer","title_ssm":["Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer"],"title_tesim":["Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 January 25"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from Susan Comer (Russell) to Alexander T. C. Comer"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"creator_ssim":["Comer Family"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":1,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1865],"names_ssim":["Comer Family","Hanley, Timothy","Hanley, Timothy"],"famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"persname_ssim":["Hanley, Timothy"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Doctor\u003cbr/\u003e\nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA. Comer Asst Surgeon\u003cbr/\u003e\nA.T. C. C.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:24.750Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_490.xml","title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 January 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 January 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"text":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490","Comer Family Civil War letter","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States. -- Army. -- New York Cavalry Regiment, 9th (1861-1865)","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Dr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia.","Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C.","This collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0410","/repositories/3/resources/490"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Comer Family Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Comer Family"],"creator_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creator_famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"creators_ssim":["Comer Family"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. 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C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Dr. Alexander T. C. Comer commissioned as an officer (Assistant Surgeon) with the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment. He mustered in on April 8, 1863 and mustered out on July 17, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Doctor\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA. Comer Asst Surgeon\u003cbr\u003e\nA.T. C. C.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester. Va. Jan 25th/1865","Dear Doctor \nI received your very welcome letter on last Saturday. You wished an explanation for my long continued silence, I can tell you, it was because I was wating to hear from you first. You also wished to know if I was in love with someone else, that I had thus slighted my fond husband. I have not nor do I expect to. Anna and, Mick were at a Ball last night given by Gen Chapman Staff Officers. Gen Sheridan and Chapman were there. I was invited but did not go owing to having a severe cold. Often will my mind revert To the pleasant hours spent in your company. You say in your letter that you would give all the money you possess to come to Winchester for a day or two. I wish your Regt would be sent back here, so your wish could be gratified, and mine also.  Maggie was married on the 15th of this month. Mr. K was very ill and so the wedding took place three day before the appointed time. I could not fulfil my promise about giving you a months notice for I did not know it but eight or ten days myself. We were anticipating a gay time but our hopes were all [?] By her getting married before the time appointed. Please tell Maj. Hanley that Maggie is married for she promised to invite him. I think she played a Yankee trick on us all. Dr. Streeter spent the evening with us day before yesterday. I have not been to an Oyster Supper since I went with you. I had a very nice sleigh ride day before yesterday and Scottie had one yesterday.  Sisters send their kindest regards to you. You wished to know how your sister Anna stands your long absence. She often wished she could see here brother Alick [Alex] so I think you better come back to old W for your sister want to see you as well as your fond wife.","A. Comer Asst Surgeon \nA.T. C. C."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eComer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Comer Family Civil War letter, 1865. MS 0410. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated January 25, 1865) from Susan Comer (Russell) to her husband, Alexander T. C. Comer, Assistant Surgeon. 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The letter contains personal and family news, including the mention of a ball given by General Chapman's staff, a wedding, and a sleigh ride."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_6d81a61038482c1e78aab81d1cad2616\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Comer Family","Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"famname_ssim":["Comer Family"],"names_coll_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"persname_ssim":["Comer, Alexander T. C.","Hanley, Timothy"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:24.750Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_490_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWhen Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"text":["Mark B. Hardin collection","Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Correspondence","English .","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin","title_ssm":["Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin"],"title_tesim":["Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 June 25"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from William P. Johnston to Susan L. Hardin"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":4,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1865],"names_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWashington D.C.\u003cbr/\u003e\nJune 25 1865\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr/\u003e\nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026amp; it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026amp; in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIt is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026amp; clothing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026amp; a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026amp; H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026amp; there remains over \u0026amp; above these claims between 4 \u0026amp; 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026amp; held by the court.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBesides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026amp; a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe are all well \u0026amp; living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026amp; your brother \u0026amp; in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane\u003cbr/\u003e\nMost affectionately\u003cbr/\u003e\nYours\u003cbr/\u003e\nW.P. Johnston\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026amp; at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr/\u003e\nJ.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWhen Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_628.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00068.xml","title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1849-1947"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1849-1947"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"text":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628","Mark B. Hardin collection","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.","Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.","Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0440","/repositories/3/resources/628"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"collection_ssim":["Mark B. Hardin collection"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"creators_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—19th century","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["20 items"],"extent_tesim":["20 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAt the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDuring the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mark Bernard \"Bunny\" Hardin was born on August 14, 1838 in Alexandria, Virginia to Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin (1804-1858) and Anna Maria Hanson Hooe (1817-1845). He entered VMI on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War. ","Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek, Virginia on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath on July 3, 1865 (some records say June 27).","Following the War, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, New York where he resided until July 1867. From summer 1867 to September 1890 he was a Professor of Chemistry at VMI. From September 1890 to 1910 he taught at Clemson University, South Carolina.","Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Warrenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869, and the couple had eight children. He died on April 26, 1916 in Clemson, South Carolina and is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.","This letter was written to Augusta Lane Hardin, Lauriston B. Hardin's second wife and Mark B. Hardin's stepmother. At the time, Mark was 11 years old and his stepmother was visiting her family in Wilmington. This letter was sent to Augusta Hardin in care of Levin Lane, Esq. (1793-1863). Mark's family was then living in Washington, D.C. where Lauriston was the Clerk and Registrar of the Department of the Navy.","At the time of this letter, Mark B. Hardin was serving in the Confederate Army as a Major in command of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, 18th Virginia, assigned to the defenses at Richmond, Virginia.","The Hooe family was kin to the Hardins through the marriage of Lauriston B. Hardin to his first wife, Anna M. H. Hooe. She was Mark B. Hardin's mother. After Lauriston's (second) marriage to Augusta Lane Hardin, the children of that marriage, Susan L. Hardin and John H. Hardin, adopted the Hooes as their \"Grandparents.\" In this letter, Susan's \"Grandfather,\" Bernard Hooe (1791-1869), is writing for the first time after mail communications were established.","During the time period following the Civil War, Mark B. Hardin attempted to start a business in New York City, New York in partnership with William Gilham (1818-1872). Gilham was a West Pointer (Class of 1840) and the former Commandant of Cadets at VMI during Hardin's tenure there before the War."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWashington. April 21st 1849\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFather has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCaptain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd now as it is getting late I must end my letter.\u003cbr\u003e\nFrom\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate\u003cbr\u003e\nSon\u003cbr\u003e\nM B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eApl. 24, 1849\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026amp; I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBest love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026amp; green peas \u0026amp; perhaps strawberries?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye -\u003cbr\u003e\nyour devoted husband\u003cbr\u003e\nL B Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBattery 8, Richmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJan'y 3rd 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter yesterday \u0026amp; was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026amp; will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026amp; accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026amp; troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026amp; visit you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDo not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026amp; more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026amp; Providence that these anticipations may be realized.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026amp; that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAn under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must look around too, and try \u0026amp; find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026amp; you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026amp; tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026amp; manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026amp; Johnny are doing.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWho directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo Susan L. Hardin\u003cbr\u003e\n\u0026amp; John H. Hardin \u003cbr\u003e\nElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 19, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear children\u003cbr\u003e\nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026amp; friendly intercourse.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWithin one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026amp; myself here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBoth his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour anxious Grandfather,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington D.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 25 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026amp; it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026amp; in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026amp; clothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026amp; a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026amp; H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026amp; there remains over \u0026amp; above these claims between 4 \u0026amp; 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026amp; held by the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBesides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026amp; a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are all well \u0026amp; living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026amp; your brother \u0026amp; in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane\u003cbr\u003e\nMost affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nYours\u003cbr\u003e\nW.P. Johnston\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026amp; at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJ.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth - New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 29th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susan,\u003cbr\u003e\nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026amp; anxious years.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMore than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026amp; subject to the future order of the court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed.\u003cbr\u003e\nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington, July 10th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just arrived here \u0026amp; have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026amp; John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026amp; sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026amp; establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026amp; let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026amp; John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026amp; deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026amp; bend our energies to the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026amp; friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026amp; will give you more news at another time.\u003cbr\u003e\nEver your devoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 9th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026amp; Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026amp; little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026amp; yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePhil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026amp; he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026amp; Grandma \u0026amp; ask their advice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLet me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026amp; can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026amp; leisure.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAddress all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026amp; the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026amp; John. Write often Sue \u0026amp; do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026amp; family.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI sent you 33 stamps\u003cbr\u003e\nWashington\u003cbr\u003e\nSep 7th (1865)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026amp; I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJust as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026amp; is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026amp; go on this fall \u0026amp; see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026amp; remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026amp; that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to be established some of these days \u0026amp; have a house of my own where you \u0026amp; I \u0026amp; John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel relieved when I know that you \u0026amp; John will not suffer \u0026amp; that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou must be hopeful \u0026amp; not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026amp; write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nYour devoted bro(ther)\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eElizabeth, New Jersey\u003cbr\u003e\nSeptember 26, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Susie,\u003cbr\u003e\nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026amp; Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026amp; Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026amp; would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJohnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePresent my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncles Bernard \u0026amp; Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026amp; very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026amp; then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026amp; Geo, regularly at school - \u0026amp; Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026amp; much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026amp; Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026amp; unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026amp; all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa,\u003cbr\u003e\nB. Hooe\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just received your letter \u0026amp; hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026amp; if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy business has improved some lately \u0026amp; I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026amp; have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026amp; improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026amp; not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026amp; don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026amp; ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026amp; Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; Aunts Mary \u0026amp; Ellen, Phil, \u0026amp; in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJune 6th 1867\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026amp; Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026amp; the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026amp; serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026amp; am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026amp; I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026amp; sends now his love to Johnny \u0026amp; yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026amp; that I am always your\u003cbr\u003e\nDevoted brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026amp; in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026amp; was glad to meet him \u0026amp; hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026amp; Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose a photograph. When you \u0026amp; Johnny can have some taken send me one.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate brother\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I.\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 2, 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue\u003cbr\u003e\nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026amp; to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026amp; your grandma \u0026amp; remember me to your Uncle Walter.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nLexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 6th 67\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026amp; I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026amp; taking some interest in his studies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRemember me to your Grandma \u0026amp; Uncle Walter \u0026amp; believe me yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M.I. Lexington Va\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 18th 1868\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhy have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGrandfather \u0026amp; all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026amp; Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026amp; hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma \u0026amp; Johnny \u0026amp; remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026amp; Eliza when you see them \u0026amp; tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet.\u003cbr\u003e\nWith best love yours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nBunny\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJany 23rd 1873\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sue,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026amp; cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026amp; expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am glad that you \u0026amp; your family are well \u0026amp; that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026amp; established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026amp; made a reputation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eStill if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026amp; asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026amp; the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026amp; Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026amp; little brother Lauriston \u0026amp; next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026amp; therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026amp; to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026amp; I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026amp; he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026amp; again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLove to your Grandma, \u0026amp; Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nMBH\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College, S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 7th 1895\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClemson College S.C.\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 28 1897\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026amp; see you \u0026amp; Sue but found that I could not spare the time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026amp; that Sue's girls \u0026amp; mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all -\u003cbr\u003e\nAffectionately your brother\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 24 99\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear John\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me.\u003cbr\u003e\nLove to all\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately\u003cbr\u003e\nM.B. Hardin\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","General","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Washington. April 21st 1849","My dear Mother \nAs today is a holiday I thought I would write you a few lines telling you all the news.","Last night there was a very large fire, destroying two or three houses and injuring two or three very much, - the fire began about twelve o'clock and lasted about an hour. A stable was set on fire behind those taverns near the canal, the taverns caught and burnt very badly. There were also several pigeons burnt during the fire. I went up to father's office today and spent the day with him and I had a very fine time.","I heard that there was a very deep snow in Wilmington not long ago. We have had very bad weather too, one day it snowed and rained both.","Father has not determined to get the house near the Fraily's, but he will, if he does not get Captain Powell's near Gadsby's Hotel, he will know tomorrow whether Captain Powell will let him have his for $350 or not.","Father has been suffering for some time with the pain in his shoulder, but I am happy to say that he is getting a great deal better.","We have had two or three serenades since you have been gone. The gentlemen came in the parlor and played for almost an hour then went down the front steps and sat on the boxes and played Oh! Susannah, then they went away.\nGive my love to Your Mother and your sisters and Eddy. Miss Anna Tanney has gone to Philadelphia to take a little trip for the benefit of her health, which has been rather bad.\nAfter the cold spell we have had, it is now quite mild again.","Captain Powell's house has a great deal of nice fruit in the garden, which is a very pretty one.","And now as it is getting late I must end my letter. \nFrom \nYour Affectionate \nSon \nM B Hardin","P.S.Father is going to write you a few lines. Grand Father sends his love to you and Miss Virginia.","Apl. 24, 1849 \nI have but a moment, my dearest wife, to put a short P.S. to your son's letter. He began it on Saturday, but did not finish it till last night. The mail closes early this morning so I must necessarily be short. I was quite disappointed last evening at not receiving a letter from you. I learned, however, that there was no mail south of Petersburg, which I suppose will account for your letters' not coming, as I take if for granted it was started in due time. Well, 'most two weeks have passed since you left us; they have passed quite heavily with me, \u0026 I begin to feel quite anxious for the hour of meeting to arrive. I am unable to say how soon I may be able to get off, for as yet, business seems to be increasing rather than falling off; but I will be better able to judge of the prospects when I answer your letter, which I expect tonight or tomorrow. In the near time, I hope you will enjoy yourself, and not get homesick or husband-sick. I have quite recovered from my attack, or rather I feel a great deal better. The pain in my breast and shoulder has \"left for parts unknown\" and I have no cough at all; so on the (subject?) of my health you need not be uneasy.","Best love to all the family. How did you enjoy the snow \u0026 green peas \u0026 perhaps strawberries?","Mr. Hooe is in Alexandria, which accounts for Mr. Hooe's love coming alone. Good bye - \nyour devoted husband \nL B Hardin","Battery 8, Richmond \nJan'y 3rd 1864","Dear Sue \nI received your letter yesterday \u0026 was truly glad to hear from you. I should have written before, but your last letter was in some way misplaced and I did not know where to address. You say that if I do not pay you a visit soon that you will never forgive me. If you won't forgive, you'll never forget me, so I am almost determined never to go to see you. But I am sure that such a course will be unnecessary to keep me in your memory, and whenever I can make it conveniently, I shall certainly pay you the visit. Just now it will not be possible to do so.","It is true that I am allowing my soldiers to go on furlough, but I do not feel disposed to ask a leave of absence for myself. This is not my dear sister because I am not truly anxious to see you, but because I am now, \u0026 will be for some time, quite busy in settling up my official transactions \u0026 accounts for the last quarter of the old year. I have not had, Sue, a leave of absence for a single day since I have been in service, and it has become a sort of matter of pride to be able to know that I have never asked for such an indulgence. I determined when I entered the service that I would not apply for a leave unless it was upon a matter of absolute necessity, and I am sure you would not have me break through this resolution. Some of these days when I can convince myself that it is necessary to take a short respite from the duties \u0026 troubles of the camp, I will make it a duty, as it will always be my greatest pleasure, to run down \u0026 visit you.","Do not think my dear sister, that I am forgetful, or that my affection for you is in the least diminished. I constantly think of you, and am more \u0026 more solicitous about you as you grow older. I look forward to the time when this direful war will cease, and anticipate the most delightful seasons of companionship with you. God grant in His Mercy \u0026 Providence that these anticipations may be realized.","I hope you had a pleasant Christmas \u0026 that your New Year promises to be a happy one. My Christmas was very dull. No Santa Claus, no merry faces, no big bowl of egg-nog, no family gathering, no luxurious table, nothing, in such, to remind me of the Christmas of the good old times. The New Year has passed upon us, as the old one passed away. Such is the fate of the soldiers. But what else should we expect. We are not in the service to make merry and have fun. Many, very many unpleasant things have to be submitted to. These we must bear as patiently and cheerfully as possible, and recollect the cause in which we are engaged and the mighty interests, which are at stake.","An under regard for self-enjoyment has probably caused some of our reverses; our motto for the New Year should be \"Duty\".","You write in such excellent spirits that I am sure you have been enjoying yourself much. This fully compensates for my dull Christmas.","By the way, Sue, you said something in one of your letters about a very dear friend of yours who was going to pay a visit to Richmond this winter. You stated that she intended staying at Capt Miles Selden's, but did not tell me the name of the young lady. You must let me know who she is, so that I may call on her.","You must look around too, and try \u0026 find me a nice little sweet-heart by the time I pay you the visit. I can not find anyone to suit me up this way, and I understand that there are some very sweet girls in N.C.","Cousin Jimmy(?) has, I see, been giving you quite an account of my younger days - days before your were born, Sue. I have changed much since then and I daresay Jimmy would not recollect the little curly headed boy who could neither ride nor climb. I should like very much to see him \u0026 you must give my love to him. Tell him his instructions were profited by and that the pupil will almost be willing to hazard a trial of powers with his master.","I met a gentleman not long ago who told me that a cousin of mine was stationed in Raleigh. He was on duty in the Provost Marshal's Office. I did not learn his first name but suffice it must be either Jimmy(?) or his brother. If you know what cousin it is, you must tell me in your next letter.","Phil is out in east Tennessee. I heard from him a few days ago. He was very well. Have not heard from Washington lately. Give my love to Johnny \u0026 tell him not to grow so fast that I will not know him when I see him. Remember me to your Grandma, Uncle Walter, and all other members of the family. Always send love to Cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. I feel toward them much as if they were near relatives, and never shall forget the pleasant associations with Julia or the sweet little face \u0026 manners of Eliza. It seems strange to think that Eliza is now a \"?\". I can scarcely realize it, for it seems but yesterday when she used to play about our house as a mere child. Girls grow so much more rapidly than boys that I expect to find you almost a woman when I pay that visit.","Write soon, Sue, and tell me what you \u0026 Johnny are doing. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","Who directed the last two letters you sent me? I am not familiar with the handwriting. It is very pretty.","To Susan L. Hardin \n\u0026 John H. Hardin  \nElizabeth, New Jersey \nJune 19, 1865","My dear children \nI have anxiously desired, for the four last and eventful years to write to you and afford a proper manifestation of that kind interest and regard which I feel to be preeminently due to you. But my hands have been tied, and I have been denied that privilege by the intervention of causes beyond my control, and resulting most disastrously to our Southern Country, in whose desolation I have been, as you may naturally suppose, an earnest sympathizer.","The struggle in which all the energies of our dear people have been most zealously and patriotically enlisted may be regarded as now ended, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to begin a correspondence with you which would never have been delayed or suspended but for the distracted state of the country, necessarily interrupting all our social relations \u0026 friendly intercourse.","Since we had the happiness of seeing each other, sad changes have occurred in our respective families and gloom, amounting almost to despondency, has supervened as resulting from the desolation of our own firesides.","Within one year after the commencement of the late conflict in which your brother and my youngest son felt impelled to hazard all, in vindication of their inalienable rights, in addition to the sore privation of their society and intercourses, I have been subjected to the deepest affliction in the loss of your dear and devoted Grand-ma, as you were always pleased to call her, of whose presence and good counsel I was deprived on the 14th July 1862, since which time the world has, to me, appeared a desert, offering little inducement to a man of nearly seventy five years, to desire longer to witness its' constant fluctuations and instability.","And I regret to have learned that it has fallen also to your lot to have experienced a similar affliction in the loss of your Grandfather Lane, on which event I beg to assure you that you and your excellent Grandmother have my cordial sympathy and condolence.","You will desire to receive some information in regard to your brother, Mark Bernard, which, at this instance, I hasten to communicate, to relieve your anxiety in rogation to him. In the last battle of the army about Richmond, he was captured with a large number of Confederate officers and men attached to the command of Genl. Ewell, and they arrived in Washington City D.C. in the afternoon of that day on which the assassination of the late President, A. Lincoln took place, and but a few hours before that tragic event. The Prisoners, thus captured, were detained in the old Capitol Prison until 4o'c. in the afternoon of Monday the 16th of April, whereby an opportunity was afforded to many of his friends to see him.","Mrs. Johnston, his aunt, Doct. Johnston, his uncle Bernard and I were among those who enjoyed that privilege, and were gratified by a brief interview with him; and profited by the opportunity of furnishing such article of necessary clothing as he was then enabled to take with him and a small sum of money to supply such wants as were not likely to be gratified by the liberality of the United States' Government. After our hurried interview, the Prisoners were conducted to the cars, and were carried to Johnson's Island, (Sandusky, Ohio) where they arrived in about 48 hours, and were as comfortable situated as was consistent with their condition, deprived of their accustomed liberty.","In a few days after his arrival at that place, he wrote to me and gave the information above communicated to you; and has corresponded pretty regularly with his aunts Mrs. Johnston in Washington, and Mrs. Fowle \u0026 myself here.","His aunts have promptly supplied him with such articles of clothing as he has desired, the list of which was furnished by himself; and by a letter written by him on the 25th day of May, inst., and received by me on Monday last 29th May, the receipt of those articles is acknowledged by him, so that, as far as clothing may be necessary for his comfort, he has been abundantly supplied, according to his own declaration. A further sum of money has been also sent to him in pursuance of the privilege obtained from the authorities at Johnson's Island, and, as long as he may be detained there, every necessary attention will be given to secure his comfort.","Both his aunts and I have written to him, offering him all the consolation in our power, and we have made an earnest appeal to him to avail himself of the earliest opportunity which may be presented, and take the requisite oath of allegiance to the Federal Government, (there being none other now organized or recognized) and come again, and without longer delay, to his friends and relations. This we earnestly hope he will do, and thus place himself in a position to begin life anew, and establish himself in such position as cannot fail to ensure him success and prosperity.","Your uncle Philip B. Hooe was on the same battlefield on which it was your brother's misfortune to be captured, and in which too Genl. Corse, to whose staff Philip belonged, became also a Prisoner; but by sudden movement as Genl. Corse informs me by letter from Fort Warren, Philip was at the head of the column which escaped the fate of his comrades. I recd. from him yesterday a letter written at Lynchburg, Va. on the 25th of May, informing us that he expects to be in Richmond about this time, and hopes to be with his family in a few days. He was probably a paroled Prisoner embraced in Genl. Lee's surrender, and may thus be enabled to come home at once.","We will continue to look with ceaseless anxiety for the safe and speedy return of both our dear boys, of whose honorable deportment their friends here all feel most proud.","All the members of my family both here and in Washington are well and unite in kind regards for your dear Grandmother, Mrs. Lane, and in affectionate remembrance of you both. I sent your brother's address, which, if you wish, may enable you to write to him, if the mail communication between your residence and Sandusky, Ohio, (Johnson's Island) shall be open. \nYour anxious Grandfather, \nB. Hooe","Washington D.C. \nJune 25 1865","My dear Susan, \nYour letter of the 14th inst. was received today \u0026 it gives me great pleasure to be able to convey to you favorable news of the health of your talented and gallant brother. He reached Washington, a prisoner of war, a day or two after the surrender of Lee's army. Your Aunt Mary \u0026 myself, \u0026 also Mr. Hooe, had the pleasure of seeing him. He was quite well \u0026 in good spirits. After being detained here a day or two he was sent to Johnson's Island.","It is now about two weeks since I obtained from the President an order for his release. I have just learned that he was not released in consequence of an error in the office of the Governor General of Prisoners. They have promised to send on the order by telegraph today. While in prison he has been supplied with money \u0026 clothing.","I cannot say how much money you will be entitled to in the (?) of your father's estate. The farm was sold \u0026 a portion of the money received by the Commissioner, who has since died. I presume the whole amount of purchase money may still be collected. The house at the corner of 14 \u0026 H. Sts. was sold, under the decree of the court, to satisfy two claims against the estate; the property sold well \u0026 there remains over \u0026 above these claims between 4 \u0026 5 thousand dollars, which is still in bank \u0026 held by the court.","Besides this your grandfather interest from the proceeds of the rent of the house the sum of $900 in Washington City stock, \u0026 a small amt. has been also invested in U.S. stock, about $200 I think.","I hold also in my business $69 in Virginia funds which Mr. Hooe received on the sale of certain articles from the farm. These may earn additional sums which I cannot recall at present.","We are all well \u0026 living in Washington (?) (?) in much love to you \u0026 your brother \u0026 in kindest regards to Mrs. Lane \nMost affectionately \nYours \nW.P. Johnston","PS Mr. Hooe is well \u0026 at present living with the Geo Fowle's family at Elizabeth, New Jersey \nJ.","Elizabeth - New Jersey \nJune 29th 1865","My dear Susan, \nI hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, addressed to Dr. Wm. P. Johnston of Washington, D.C. dated on the 14th inst., forwarded to me from the latter place, and received by mail of yesterday.","You will perceive by the enclosed letter, that I had written to you some time previous to the receipt of your acceptable favor, and it's transmission has been unavoidably delayed by the absence of mail facilities of which distant friends in the South have been hitherto deprived.","Having in that former letter given you a somewhat detailed account of our own family in which no changes have since occurred, it will not now be necessary that I should repeat anything then mentioned.","Dr. Johnston has informed me by his letter of yesterday that he has answered your enquiries as far as he could, and expresses the hope that your dear brother M.B.H. may arrive here as soon as your letter enclosed to me by him should reach me at this place. Such, however, is not the case, but we are in the constant expectation of having the extreme happiness of greeting his return to his family and friends after his absence of four long \u0026 anxious years.","More than two weeks have elapsed since Dr. Johnston obtained from the President an order for our dear boy's release, which, as I presume he has advised you, was by him handed to the proper officer (General Hoffman, the Commissary General of Prisoners) to be by him forwarded to the commanding officer at Johnson's Island, and it was therefore naturally and reasonably expected that he would have been immediately discharged. The delay to do so has been occasioned by some official oversight or inadvertence which a subordinate in the Commissary's Bureau has assured Dr. J. should be immediately remedied by a telegraphic dispatch from that office. You will therefore perceive the ground on which our hope and expectation of his early restoration to us are based, and we most earnestly and anxiously hope we shall be no longer doomed to disappointment.","I am not, my dear child, surprised to hear of the deplorable condition in which you have been left by the late cruel war, by which the whole Southern country has been devastated; and my most anxious desire, in which I am seconded by all the friends of your beloved father and his children, has been, and is to do all in our power for your relief, and as speedily as may be practicable, but there is reason to fear that some time will expire before the desired object can be consummated. Some two creditors of your father, being uneasy in regard to their respective claims against his estate, and being the more apprehensive of tedious delay necessarily resulting from the war, determined to institute legal proceedings for the recovery of their claims; no private arrangement could be made by any of us here, because you and your younger brother were, what is termed in the law infants, whose interests were to be guarded by the court, to which it's supervision properly belongs.","A Decree was obtained in the court at Washington for the sale of the Real Estate in that City, and from the proceeds thereof the only remaining debts due from the estate have been discharged, and a balance is left amounting to some six thousand five or six hundred dollars, which has been vested, under the direction of the Court, in United States 7/30 bonds, bearing interest, \u0026 subject to the future order of the court.","In addition to that amount, the proceeds to be derived from the sale of the farm in the country, expects to produce some $5000 or $6000, will be held subject to such disposition as the Courts may direct; we hope therefore that a sum not less that $12,000 may be realized and held subject to the future orders of the Courts in which the proceedings have been instituted, and without the knowledge or consent of myself or any of your friends in Washington or elsewhere.","We will resort to any legal and proper one and to protect the funds from confiscation or other action of the Government.","When your brother shall arrive here, he will be informed of the circumstances herein detailed, and which have not been yet communicated to him, and after taking such steps as may be deemed proper for the protection of the interest of all the children, as far as that can be effected, you shall be more particularly informed by him and by myself.","This statement is now made in justice to you all and should have been earlier communicated if I had known your address.","Your Aunt Ellen and all her family unite with me in the assurance of constant and undiminished interest in, and affection for your little brother John and yourself, and in their high regard for you dear Grandmother Lane, to whom we desire to be presented in terms of kind remembrance.","Uncertain whether there is a direct communication open to Fayetteville, this will be sent from New York via Wilmington, where your letter to Dr. J. was mailed. \nYou anxious and affectionate Grandfather \nB. Hooe","I will be very happy to hear from you, according to the date of this letter. Excuse any interlineations and omissions and make every proper allowance for the nervous writing of your Septuagenarian Grandfather, who does not now find writing as easy as he did five or six year ago. When you write tell Johnny to add a Post Script.","Washington, July 10th (1865)","My dear Sue \nI have just arrived here \u0026 have seen your letter to Dr. W.P.J. I am now attending to the business referred to in your letter. I think we can so arrange it as to secure all due us - about 11 or 12,000 dollars. It will be necessary for you \u0026 John to have a guardian appointed in North Carolina or else to come on here. To save the expense of travel, it will be much better to have, if possible, the guardian appointed in N. Carolina. If the Courts are in operation, have this done at once or let me know when it can be effected. I wish to hear immediately about this, as I will have a petition drawn up \u0026 sent in for your guardian to sign. I hope we may be able to avoid the necessity of bringing you here just at this time because we can ill afford it. Great as is my desire to see you, it is necessary for the interest of both of us to be as economical as possible just now, and I must try \u0026 establish myself in some business. I have not yet determined where to settle, but will keep you advised.","I wish your Uncle Walter or your Grandmother would write \u0026 let me know exactly how your affairs stand in N.C. Whether you \u0026 John have anything left. I supposed that you had property or money in such shape as not to have been effected by the war. Thankful we (must) be that we have all been preserved, \u0026 deplorable and heart rending as the times have been, we must look \u0026 bend our energies to the future.","When you write, address (it) care of Dr. Johnston.","Remember me kindly to you Grandma \u0026 friends. Love to John. As you see, I write in great haste \u0026 will give you more news at another time. \nEver your devoted brother \nBunny","Washington \nAug 9th (1865)","My dear Sue \nYour most welcome letter has been received and I am truly glad to hear that you are all well. I wrote to you about a month ago, and fearing irregularities of the mail, addressed the letter to care of Messrs. DeRosset \u0026 Co. Wilmington. I was exceedingly anxious to hear from you, (apprehending?) from your letter to Dr. Johnston that the family has been sorely troubled by the march of troops last spring. Your letter just received gives therefore great relief to the anxiety felt.","I told you in my last that the proceeds of sale of Alexa(ndria) property could not be gotten at first (?). The payments have not been completed \u0026 little or nothing can be done in the case until the November Court.","With regard to the funds in Washington - you and John have each have about $2300, which the court will order to be payed (sic) to your guardian.","Since writing to you, Judge Wylie has informed me that a guardian can be appointed here without the presence of John \u0026 yourself. Therefore if you choose not to have the matter deferred, I will see if the amount in the hands of the court cannot be obtained.","Phil is still your guardian in Va. \u0026 he may possibly get the money without further proceeding in the way of appointments, etc. I will not do anything until I hear from you, but let me know at once whether you wish the money sent on to you. It is at present invested in 7 3/10 bonds. See your Uncle Walter \u0026 Grandma \u0026 ask their advice.","Let me know what disposition you wish made of the money. I have written this, for fear that you and John may have immediate wants. Tell me also whether you have yet a guardian in North Carolina.","I will not be able to visit you for some time, my dear Sue, as I am yet unemployed \u0026 can not think of traveling just now. If I should be fortunate enough to get something to do, I hope to run down and see you all this fall or in the winter. Everything is so compromising, that it is enough to depress anyone. I will keep you constantly informed of my movements and hope soon to tell you that. I am no longer a gentleman of elegance \u0026 leisure.","Address all your letters for the present to care of Dr. W.P. Johnston. Your affectionate remembrances of Grandfather \u0026 the family are highly appreciated and all returning most warmly their love to you \u0026 John. Write often Sue \u0026 do not be ceremonious. Kindest regards to your grandma \u0026 family. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","I sent you 33 stamps \nWashington \nSep 7th (1865)","My dear Sue, \nI have just returned from Virginia where I have been for two weeks attending to business. Your letter has just been placed in my hands \u0026 I hasten to answer it. I have this morning written to your Uncle Walter, and I hope he will answer without delay, so that I may have the matter of business attended to at once.","Just as soon as a guardian files a proper petition for that portion of the money remaining from the estate in Washington it can be obtained. The money is invested in 7 3/10 bonds \u0026 is drawing a good interest, but if you wish it, that is need it, you can get it. It can be placed in the hands of your N. Car. guardian. We can do nothing here until we know whether you have a guardian (or can have one appointed in N.Ca.) Do have the matter attended to at once.","I have not determined what to do; will let you know as soon as I settle. I will try \u0026 go on this fall \u0026 see you. The expense of travel is all that prevents me now. I am particularly anxious about the education of Johnny. It must not be neglected.","Grandfather is in Elizabeth N. Jersey \u0026 remembers you most kindly, as do all other members of the family. I am glad to hear that you are progressing so well with your studies \u0026 that you are so much pleased with your Cousin Rosa's instruction.","I hope to be established some of these days \u0026 have a house of my own where you \u0026 I \u0026 John can take care of each other. Many days of hard work must pass before that can be however, and we must hope for the best.","I feel relieved when I know that you \u0026 John will not suffer \u0026 that you have enough money to supply wants for some time to come.","This fall we hope to get hold of the money for the Alexa(ndria) estate. Altogether then each of us will have about $5000 (five thousand) so there is at least no danger of starving.","You must be hopeful \u0026 not allow yourself to despair. Write soon \u0026 write often. It will not be long before you hear from me again.","I have written very hurriedly, for I have a number of business letters in hand which must be attended to right off. Best of love to all - \nYour devoted bro(ther) \nBunny","Elizabeth, New Jersey \nSeptember 26, 1865","My dear Susie, \nI cannot find language suitably to express the gratification I have derived from the receipt of your most acceptable letter of 5th inst. Which came to me yesterday thro' the Post Office at New York, to which I hasten to reply, to show my high appreciation of your kind remembrance of me.","If I know myself I can never cease to feel an abiding interest in, and affection for the dear children of your beloved parents, both of whom I have always regarded with the most devoted and earnest attachment. And for the sake of yourself and dear little Johnnie, as well as because of my regard for your dear deceased parents, I can never entertain any other sentiments than those of kindness and affection.","You have perceived, by the date of my former letter, that it had been written a considerable time before it was transmitted, awaiting the re-establishment of mail facilities, of which I availed myself at the earliest moment after I had been advised, thro' your letter to Dr. Johnston of Washington City, D.C. as to your address.","I congratulate you on the safety of your brother Bunnie, who passed so successfully thro' the perils to which he was always exposed for the four eventful years of his life, and that he has been restored to his family and friends in that state of health and security which leaves his capacity for future usefulness unimpaired. He is now here, and desires me to say that he has written to you some weeks ago, and addressed his letter to your uncle Walter Lane, Wilmington, N. Carolina: and at the same time he wrote also to him, as your Guardian, informing him what is required by the Courts to be done by him in order that he may receive the share of Johnnie and yourself which has been decreed by the Courts in your favor, and which, if I mistake not, amounts to something near Six thousand dollars, derived from the property in Washington and the farm in Virginia: There will be still a balance coming from the latter source, in regard to which, other proceedings in the Alexandria Court will yet be necessary: what that amount may be I am not now able to inform you.","Your uncle Walter, as Guardian for you \u0026 Johnnie should present his petition in writing to the Circuit Superior Court of Washington County in the District of Columbia, praying an order directing the money now in the First National Bank in Washington (Jay Cooke's) to be paid to him, as Guardian etc., and, in addition, he should also execute a Power of Attorney, to authorize such person as he may designate, to receive the said money. Your brother Bernard is now here, but expects to locate himself, professionally as Chemist, etc., in the City of New York. He has just been appointed by the Board of Visitors of the Military School at Lexington, in Virginia, \"Adjunct Professor of Mineralogy, Chemistry \u0026 Geology,\" which, I think, he is disinclined to accept, because of apprehension that the salaries the Institute will be enabled to pay, will be wholly inadequate, and that his prospect of success in New York is more encouraging. He may not therefore be in Washington to give the necessary attention to the collection of the money above referred to, and to avoid any further delay or difficulty about that matter, I would suggest that your Uncle Walter should come to Washington, and, in person, attend to the business. If, however, he shall decline to do so, either because it may be inconvenient for him or for any other reasons, he might give a Power of Attorney to your uncle Philip B. Hooe, who resides in Alexandria \u0026 would take pleasure in doing anything in his power to serve him or you. If your uncle shall adopt that course, he can enclose his Petition to the Court, together with the Power of Attorney, to you uncle Phil, in Alexandria.","In the losses you have sustained and the privations to which you have been subjected, you have my sincere sympathy, which is also extended to your dear Grandma, whose health I regret to hear has been injuriously affected by the trials she has had to encounter.","I am pleased to hear that you will probably be at school in Washington next winter: if so, I will have the opportunity to see you, as I think of visiting that City in December, and will perhaps pass the winter there.","Johnnie must follow your good example and write to me: it will afford me the pleasant opportunity of seeing his proficiency, as well as evince his kind remembrance of me: and you must recollect that I will be always most happy to read your letters which you can find time to write to me.","Present my kind remembrance to your dear Grandma, in which your Aunt Ellen unites.","Your uncles Bernard \u0026 Phil are in good health - the former retaining his office in the Coast Survey in Washington - and the latter has gone to establish himself in business at Alexandria, which he fears will be an uphill business. Your Aunt Mary Johnston, with the Doct. and all their children are well - Belle at home - Willie, an M.D. and resident Physician in the Hospital in New York - Bunnie has a position in Jay Cooke's Bank in Washington - Jemmie still at school and of good promise \u0026 very sprightly - and little George, the baby, rather delicate in health, about eight years old. Your aunt Ellen's health a good deal impaired; the children all well - Nannie at school, now \u0026 then only - 18 years old - Nellie, Birdie \u0026 Geo, regularly at school - \u0026 Philip Rollins, the youngest, a fine boy of four years \u0026 much fatter and spoiled, of course. I feel the compliment you pay me and am flattered by your asking for my likeness, which is cheerfully enclosed to you. It is the last I have, but cannot refuse to send it. Accept for your self \u0026 Johnnie the assurances of my constant \u0026 unchanged affection. My kind remembrance for your Grandma \u0026 all the other members of your dear mother's family. Your Grandpa, \nB. Hooe","My dear Sue, \nI have just received your letter \u0026 hasten to answer it. I am really ashamed of myself for not answering your last before this, but I have put it off from day to day in hopes of being able to write more cheerfully. Please don't stand upon ceremony with me; write whenever you can \u0026 if I don't answer promptly know that it is not because I don't think of you.","My business has improved some lately \u0026 I am in hope that it will pay next year. In that belief I have refused three very handsome offers lately. By the way, speaking of business matters, please tell your Uncle Walter that Phil Hooe wrote to him on important business some time since but has no answer. It would be well for your Uncle Walter to write to him.","I do so long for the time when I can settle down \u0026 have you and Johnny with me. Tell the boy that he must study \u0026 improve himself. I do not wish to be disappointed when I see him. And you Sue, must take care of yourself \u0026 not frolic too much at parties. I am delighted to hear at any time that you are enjoying yourself, but be careful of your health \u0026 don't always sit up or dance until morning. I am pleased to know that your representation as a house-keeper is so good. I am prodigiously fond of good bread \u0026 ginger snaps. I hope to eat some of your making one of these days. I have here a short time since Cousin Sue Hardin, her sister Cynthia, \u0026 Jimmy. The second time I called upon them, they had left the city.","Hope however to see them here again soon. It was a great pleasure to meet them.","Grandfather \u0026 Aunts Mary \u0026 Ellen, Phil, \u0026 in fact all the family, ask after you frequently. I always send love.\nI have written in great haste, my dear Sue, because I am fortunately busy, and I would not put off an answer a single moment lest it might be deferred disgracefully long. Be assured that I often think of you \u0026 Johnny \u0026 that I hope our \"brief acquaintances\" may in (?) ripen into something like affection. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nBunny","June 6th 1867","My dear Sue \nI have been so constantly on the go since I received your letter that I have really not had time to answer it in a way at all satisfactory to myself.","I shall probably remain in Alexandria for a week or two as a middle point between New York \u0026 Lexington. In the present unsettled condition of my business \u0026 the uncertainty as to the future, it is absolutely impossible for me to think of paying you a visit. You cannot be, my dear Sue, more anxious to see me than I am to see you.","I have not been since the war ended in a situation, which would admit of absence from my business. Until I feel that I am settled, it must be a positive \u0026 serious disadvantage to me to leave the busy part of the world. I have been \u0026 am endeavoring to find a place, which I can make my home. As yet I have not decided, but think it more than probable that I shall accept the chair of Chemistry at the Va Military Institute. So soon as I can possibly go south I shall go to see you. Meantime you must feel that my interest in you is unaltered and that it is only a stern necessity, which keeps us so long apart.","The invention is now in the hands of manufacturer \u0026 I do not know what will come of it. They seem very hopeful.","Grandfather is here with us. He is quite feeble with age but his health in other respects is good. He always asks (as do the whole family) most affectionately after you \u0026 sends now his love to Johnny \u0026 yourself. Rest assured\nthat you shall see me as soon as I can take \"a leave\" \u0026 that I am always your \nDevoted brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va July 28 (1867)","My dear Sue, \nI do not know which of us is the debtor, but it is a matter of small moment should it be considered worth something to wish on such a hot afternoon. Our pastor, the Rev. (William) Pendleton, deferred services on account of the offensive heat, \u0026 in reflecting over my short comings I numbered among the most prominent the infrequency of my letters to you.","You have probably heard or at least \"guessed\" that I have been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Institute. I have accepted the position, believing it the best thing that I can do - certainly at present.","If we are not interfered with in any way (and there seems to be no possibility of it) the school promises to be a great success. I do hope that I may be able to settle down in a home at last.","I saw young Mr. Goelet in Alexa(ndria) a short time (?) \u0026 was glad to meet him \u0026 hear from you and cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza. When I left them in Alexa(ndria) \u0026 Washington Grandfather, Aunt Mary \u0026 Belle were all recovering from sickness - and as I have not heard since I presume they are still recovering.","I will when the weather is not so terribly (?) (?) you (?) account of Lexington and its improvements. Remember me kindly to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 tell Johnny he is certainly old enough to write.","I enclose a photograph. When you \u0026 Johnny can have some taken send me one. \nYour affectionate brother \nBunny","V.M.I. \nLexington, Va \nNov 2, 67","My dear Sue \nI would have written sooner but I have but recently returned from a trip to N. York. Phil Hooe was married to Miss Mary Dangerfield in Alexandria on the 15th Oct. and I went on to wait on him. The Superintendent at the same time sent me to N. York on business for the Institute.","I only stayed three days in Alexandria. The wedding was a very quiet one no one being present except the members of the family. The loss of Phil will be keenly felt by Aunt Ellen who has looked almost entirely to him as a protector since the death of Mr. Fowle. He will however be so near her in the same town that she will soon become reconciled, I hope, to the new state of things.","Grandfather's health is somewhat improved though he does not seem to be entirely free from recurrences of the complaint of last summer. Bunny Johnston was not well when I left - the rest of the family in good health.","I met Will Hardin in N. York. Told him to give my love to you when he sees you \u0026 to tell you how I regretted the necessity, which kept me from seeing you.","The Institute is progressing satisfactorily. We have now 250 cadets, as many as our buildings can accommodate in their present condition. We expect to have the restoration of the barracks completed by next Spring or Summer - Give love to Johnny \u0026 your grandma \u0026 remember me to your Uncle Walter. \nYours affectionately \nBunny","Va Military Institute \nLexington Va \nDec 6th 67","Your letter has just reached me, my dear Sue, and I can scarcely express my astonishment at the news it contains. I thought from your previous letters that you were either in jest or that you were, like most girls of your age, building castles to play with in the air.","I had no idea that you were serious, and could scarcely believe it now but for the womanly and dispassionate way in which you write.","I should have been much pleased to have met Mr. McPherson.\nI am gratified to know that you are not acting hastily and that the engagement has the entire sanction of your relatives. It would give me pleasure to visit you this winter \u0026 I would like to be present at your wedding, but I do not see how I can possibly go.","Thank my little coquette of a cousin for her thoughtfulness, and tell her if she is satisfied, of course I am. She speaks very authoritatively, however, and I should like above all things to give her a little lecture on the subject.","I am glad to hear that Johnnie is improving \u0026 taking some interest in his studies.","Remember me to your Grandma \u0026 Uncle Walter \u0026 believe me yours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","V.M.I. Lexington Va \nJany 18th 1868","Why have you not written, my dear Sue? I should have made this inquiry before, but we have been so busy during the day lately with our examinations and so thoroughly worn out at night that I have really been unable to do more that to wait for an answer to my last. This answer I have anxiously look for, as you said in your letter announcing your engagement that the day for the marriage was not definitely fixed. I took it for granted that you would let me know the day appointed, for while I could not leave the Institute to be present at the wedding, yet I expected to be present with you in spirit. I suffice therefore that the wedding has been deferred. Let me know all about it.","Grandfather \u0026 all the family wrote me that they wished you much happiness, \u0026 Grandfather has written to congratulate you if he has been well enough to do so. He wrote for your address, saying that he would certainly write to you, but he has been subject to so many attacks lately, that I fear he may not have been (?) enough to do so.","I can scarcely forgive you for keeping me in such suspense \u0026 hope you will say(?) and atone for the past by writing without delay. Let me know the time fixed.","Love to your Grandma \u0026 Johnny \u0026 remembrance to your Uncle Walter - Love to cousins Julia \u0026 Eliza when you see them \u0026 tell the latter I hope to have that quarrel with her yet. \nWith best love yours affectionately \nBunny","Jany 23rd 1873","My dear Sue, \nI have been intending for some time to answer your letter which has very (?) indeed. But you know how it is as well as I can tell you everyone who has many duties \u0026 cases find it difficult to write just when he thinks of it or feel like it. I know that I am not thoughtless - I sent you some days ago one of Lauriston's pictures. I intended sending you a \"head\" which shows his face \u0026 expression better, but Mother thought the full length figure would give one who had never seen him a better idea of the child. When I have more of the \"head\" printed I will send you one also.","I am glad that you \u0026 your family are well \u0026 that Johnny is about to go to work. I wish he could have made himself a physician \u0026 established himself where he could have had a lucrative practice \u0026 made a reputation.","Still if he prefers business to practicing medicine I would not have him go against his inclination or tastes.","A wholesale Gr(ocer)y business if properly managed is a very profitable one, and even the ordinary retail business can be made to pay well.","I have not learned anything more my dear Sue about your mother's grave. As I told you, I went to Alexandria \u0026 asked everyone that I thought likely to know anything about it. I was not present at the funeral nor at that of Father. Father was buried in our little family lot, and I do not see how there could have been room for either your mother or little Fannie.","The lot is small - These lie in it. Grandfather, Grandmother, (?) Bernard, Mr. Fowle, \u0026 the children lost by Aunt Mary \u0026 Aunt Ellen. In one corner of it my Mother \u0026 little brother Lauriston \u0026 next to them our father. So little space has there that I could not erect a memorial to Father such as I wished \u0026 therefore had to place two small marble stones to mark the spot \u0026 to put the dates on the side of my mother's monument which faces his grave.\nThis is a painful subject to me as well as your self \u0026 I would not enter into such details except to make the case clear to you.","The only possible place in the lot it seems to me was in the corner next to my mother's grave, but the sexton said he did not think there was room there \u0026 he could not dig to see without removing, or endangering, my mother's monument.\nThe only person I have not yet asked about it is Aunt Mary in Washington. I will do this, and if I go on next summer will try my best to ascertain something about it. I was at little Fannie's funeral, but cannot recollect (though I have tried again \u0026 again) where she was buried. It is very strange that no one seems to know anything about the matter - but as I told you, I never had, until I wrote you a few years ago about father's death, the slightest idea that your mother was buried in Alexa(ndria). May you not after all be mistaken?","Love to your Grandma, \u0026 Johnny, remembrances to your Uncle Walter, regards to McPherson, kisses to the children \u0026 yourself. \nYours affectionately \nMBH","Clemson College, S.C. \nMay 7th 1895","Dear John \nI enclose money order for $1.23 which according to your letter is my share of taxes on Montgomery Co property for 1894 - You do not state whether state of taxation has been diminished or whether you have surrendered some of the land, or finally whether we have ceased to pay taxes in the Hill share. Please explain - Mr. Cutler (?) - Section Missing - ...to hear that you have had sickness in your family. Love to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin","Clemson College S.C. \nSept 28 1897","Dear John \nWhen I wrote you last year about the tax on Montgomery Co N.C. property you said that you were just going to attend to it, but you have not written about it since - Please let me know what I owe to (?) - My last payment according to my books was May 7th 1895 $1.23.","I hope you are well. I was in Marlborough Co S.C. last spring and was surely tempted to run over \u0026 see you \u0026 Sue but found that I could not spare the time.","I am sorry we can not see something of each other \u0026 that Sue's girls \u0026 mine can not manage to exchange visits - My girls have been in Va this month. \nLove to all - \nAffectionately your brother \nM.B. Hardin","March 24 99","Dear John \nYour letter is quite a treat. Mary has been with you a long time but as you are all so good as to wish her to say until after Easter I will give my consent as I understand that Sue will come on with her. I hope Eliza will come also.\nMary has enjoyed, and is enjoying, herself greatly, and I am very glad she has had the chance of knowing you all - I only whish I could go down and bring the party back with me. \nLove to all \nYours affectionately \nM.B. Hardin"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Mark B. Hardin papers, 1849-1947. MS 0440. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection (20 items) consists of correspondence, the bulk (1864-1899) of which was written by Mark B. Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin (1850-1899) and John Haywood Hardin (1853-1932). In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards family news. The letter includes an addition (dated April 24, 1849) from Lauriston B. Hardin.","Written from \"Battery 8, Richmond,\" Virgnia. Letter regards Civil War service and family news.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter laments separation of families caused by War and references Mark B. Hardin's situation as a prisoner of war.","When Mark B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. Dr. William P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter regarding Hardin's release. The letter also mentions the status of Lauriston B. Hardin's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's pending release from prison and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Washington, D.C. Letter regards Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Letter regards family news and Lauriston B. Hardin's estate.","Written from New York City, New York. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin attempting to start a consulting chemist business.","Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin potentially accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at VMI.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Mark B. Hardin's position at VMI and family news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and mentions that VMI is making progress on the restoration of war-damaged barracks.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards Susan L. Hardin's upcoming marriage.","Letter regards family news and explains the layout of the family burial plot.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter encloses money for Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson , South Carolina. Letter regards family news and Montgomery County, North Carolina property taxes.","Written from Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards family news.","Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, South Carolina. Letter regards the Hardin Family memorial window."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_e0d9a120fef53a46cb1e04641aa99546\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hardin Family","Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"famname_ssim":["Hardin Family"],"persname_ssim":["Hardin, Mark B. (Mark Bernard), 1838-1916"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":20,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:40.745Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_628_c04"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Q. M. Ward","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"text":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter","Letter to Q. M. Ward","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","English .","Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Q. M. Ward","title_ssm":["Letter to Q. M. Ward"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Q. M. Ward"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 May 25"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1865"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Q. M. Ward"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":1,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1865],"geogname_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate"],"geogname_ssm":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate"],"places_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond May 29th, 1865\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026amp; Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026amp; Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDanacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eYou are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026amp; Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026amp; Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026amp; Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr/\u003e\nYours truly,\u003cbr/\u003e\nO. F. Weisiger\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:38.121Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_367.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Weisiger, Oscar F., Civil War Letter","title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 May 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 May 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"text":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367","Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).","Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger","This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creators_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"places_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/3457\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond)."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond May 29th, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026amp; Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026amp; Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDanacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026amp; Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026amp; Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026amp; Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nO. F. Weisiger\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvacuation of the city\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive fire\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProblems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_d5884f186106e46368d6234607050019\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:38.121Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvacuation of the city\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive fire\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProblems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_367.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Weisiger, Oscar F., Civil War Letter","title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 May 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 May 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"text":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367","Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).","Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger","This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creators_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"places_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/3457\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond)."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond May 29th, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026amp; Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026amp; Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDanacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026amp; Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026amp; Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026amp; Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nO. F. Weisiger\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvacuation of the city\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive fire\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProblems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_d5884f186106e46368d6234607050019\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:38.121Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_367.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Weisiger, Oscar F., Civil War Letter","title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 May 25"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 May 25"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"text":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367","Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This item is available online","Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).","Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger","This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0285","/repositories/3/resources/367"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"creators_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"places_ssim":["Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate","Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Siege of Richmond (Virginia : 1864-1865)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions"],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/3457\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond).\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger (1820-1886) was a businessman in Richmond, Virginia. During the Civil War he was a Confederate officer. On January 20, 1863 he was serving as a Captain, Assistant Quartermaster (superintendent of clothing depot in Richmond)."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond May 29th, 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026amp; Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026amp; Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDanacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026amp; Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026amp; Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026amp; Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026amp; yourself.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours truly,\u003cbr\u003e\nO. F. Weisiger\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond May 29th, 1865","Dear Ward,\nIt was with much pleasure that I received your letter of the 16th inst. for I have longed wished to hear from you, and should have written if there had been any way of sending a letter.","The night of the 2d ultimo will be memorable to all who were residents of this city. The evacuation was not thought of even by the President who was attending service at St. Paul's. At 12 o'clock a dispatch was received from Genl. Lee and handed to the President, while in church, to the effect that his- Genl. Lee's - line, had been pierced in two places and that unless he could reinstate them, it would be necessary to evacuate the city that night. It was then reported throughout the city. Hearing these reports, I started down to the office and on my way saw Genl. Ewell who informed me that the report was true and that Richmond would be evacuated that night at 12 o'clock.","I hurried down to the office and went to work with what force I could collect to box up and ship off the goods on hand. I worked all night but to little purpose, for what goods were sent to the Danville depot remained there until Monday morning and were either consumed by the fire or stolen. Such a scene I never saw before and hope never to see again. The most perfect confusion and disorder reigned. The troops from the North side of James River were passing from 12 o'clock Sunday night until 7 o'clock Monday morning, the last had scarcely crossed the bridge before the Federal troops entered the City. I cleared my house of every article, what I could not distribute to the troops while passing, I distributed to the citizens at large. It is fortunate that I did so for in a few hours the building was consumed by fire. The order as I understand it was to fire the Warehouse which was done early Monday morning and from that hour until late in the evening the fire raged with great fury. The explosion of the Powder Magazine was most fearful, and by it, I regret to say that some 10 or 12 paupers lost their lives.","I cannot begin to describe to you the terrors of that day. It can only be likened to my conception of the Judgement Day. At no time during the war did the fiercest artillery duel equal in bursting of shell the firing of the Laboratory. Every second there was a discharge of shell from early morn to late in the evening to the great danger of the lives of all who lived in the direction of the building. Fortunately no one was injured by the explosion of shell to my knowledge. I scarcely know how to describe to you the extent of the fire so that you will understand it. However I will do the best I can.","The whole business part of the City from 9 to 15th St. is in ashes. The houses on both sides of Cary St. from 9 to 15th St. and all of the houses on the cross streets to the river including Warwicks Mill and all of the houses around the Basin, the Petersburg depot and all the houses under Gambill's Hill to 5th St. including the state armory, the houses on Main St. from 9th to 15th St. with the exception that on the east side of Main the fire was stopped at Mitchell \u0026 Tyler's house, the houses on the west side of Main were destroyed to the Traders Bank which is opposite to Hening's Store. All of the houses between Main \u0026 Bank streets and on Bank were destroyed. The fire then extended up Franklin Street on the west side to Dr. Cunningham's and on the east side to 2 houses above Dr. Reid's church, burning the Church and Lecture room. The houses on the south side of Governors St. were saved, but those on the north side were burned. All of the bridges were destroyed. It will be necessary for you to see the ruins to fully understand the extent of this fire.","The result has been just what I predicted three years ago, that when Richmond was given up it would be the death blow to the Confederacy. did not think however that it would follow so soon. Since the occupation of the City by the Federal Troops the most perfect order has prevailed. They have no respect for the Negro, and make them toe the mark in every respect. The Negro is nothing like so free as before, except in name. They are kept in very strict discipline, not allowed to stand about the streets, and all made to work.","Danacott had returned and is living out with, and managing for his cousin Miss Sheppherd. He is a strange fellow, why he does not marry the woman I cannot divine. I have no doubt they have been engaged to be married for 15 years. He has now left his own place and taken the management of her affairs. His health is good. I have not heard from Clarkson since the evacuation. I fear with you that he is in a bad fix.","You are mistaken in supposing that Kent Paine \u0026 Co. and others are worth more than they were before the war. I understand that they will not be able to pay their debts, and this is the case with few exceptions of nearly all of the merchants in the city. Merchants have lost more than any other class by the fire.","In relation to our business affairs, I do not agree with you that we have \"fallen to rise no more.\" In relation to our Northern indebtedness I think it can be settled for 20 or 25 % and I would like very much to see you and have a talk with you on this subject. I think if we can raise 10 or 12,000 dollars, we can pay our whole debt and the sooner some arrangement is made the better. I have been advised to this course by merchants who have recently returned from the North and know the feeling of the merchants there. If this can be done it will be certainly best for both of us.","I do not know what your views of business are for the future, whether you will embark in the Mercantile business again or not, but as for myself I must get to doing something as soon as prudent to do so. I feel like going to work with renewed effort and regain what is lost. In the first place I would like to be free from our old debts and then I shall be ready for any business that might offer. I hope to see or hear from you soon. I would come up to see you, but I have not the money to spare at present. I was only left with six dollars of available funds, though since the evacuation I have not been idle. I have been buying a few goods at auction and reselling, and have made and have made a few dollars which has enabled me to get along without drawing rations from the Northern Government, though very many of our best citizens have had to do so, and many who were able before the evacuation. As to Mr. Warwick, I do not think he has ever drawn rations- if so I have never heard of it.","I have had some few calls from our Northern Creditors. Mr. Merchant was in, but said nothing about business, nor did I to him. He only remained two days. A gentleman of the house of O. R. Tweedy \u0026 Co. of New York called on me. He had in his possession a letter written by you in May 1861, which was very bitter. He stated that the house was very much hurt at receiving such a letter (he is not a partner). I regret myself the writing of the letter to that house for the reason that I believe the Members of that concern to be conservative and had been very kind to us. A few days since, a gentleman called on me from Boston who had with him the a/c [account] of W. Lovejoy \u0026 Co. I told him the [word eligible] of affairs as well as I could, what losses were sustained, etc. He seemed to sympathize with us as well as others in the same condition and hoped that all would be well. So far as I have seen the disposition [of] all Northern Creditors is kind. I enclose you a letter received from a concern in Hartford, Ct. If you can do so, you will come down at an early day- if not please write me and give me your views. I think the sooner we take some step to arranging our debts the better.","My family are all well and join in kind regards to Mrs. Ward \u0026 yourself. \nYours truly, \nO. F. Weisiger"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Oscar F. Weisiger Civil War letter. Manuscript # 0285. Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEvacuation of the city\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive fire\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOccupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProblems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated May 25, 1865) from Oscar F. Weisiger to Q. M. Ward, a business partner in Big Lick (now Roanoke), Virginia. This detailed letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy. The letter describes:\n Evacuation of the city Extensive fire Occupation of the city by federal troops and the troops' treatment of former slaves Problems Weisiger faces in attempting to reestablish his mercantile business Discussion of Weisiger's relationship with northern creditors. ","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter provides an eyewitness account of the last days of the Civil War in Richmond, Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_d5884f186106e46368d6234607050019\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Weisiger, Oscar F., 1820-1886"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:38.121Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_367"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Samuel S. Brooke papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_606.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00021.xml","title_ssm":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"title_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1917"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1917"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606"],"text":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606","Samuel S. Brooke papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates","There are no restrictions.","A bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable  online .","Samuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.","In May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.","After the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke.","Fredericksburg, April 17th/62","Dear Sam \u0026 Mr. Bruce- \nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.","They sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026 family \u0026 Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.","A great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.","Richmond, May 17th","Dear Sam: \nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.","I wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.","I have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.","Your Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.","I dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.","Fluvanna, June 26","Dear Sam: \nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.","Your last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.","I hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.","I would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.","Your uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nAugst. 18th, 1863","Dear Sister-- \nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026 have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026 and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.","We heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026 Washington, \u0026 their army is now too weak to be divided.","Fenton says in her letter that she \u0026 the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026 succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026 fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026 anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026 jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.","We are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026 plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026 I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026 that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.","Dr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026 I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026 staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026 myself, \u0026 one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026 Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026 the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026 remember me to all enquiring friends. \nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nMarch 27, 1864","My dear Sister-- \nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.","I suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.","Everything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.","There is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.","Tell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.","I am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.","I suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.","Will Fenton \u0026 Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all.","The Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.","In addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.","Written from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.","Written from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Document commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.","Special Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.","Issued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Regards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.","Appoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"collection_ssim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creator_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creators_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["11 items"],"extent_tesim":["11 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1923\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.","In May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.","After the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFredericksburg, April 17th/62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam \u0026amp; Mr. Bruce-\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026amp; family \u0026amp; Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, May 17th\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam:\u003cbr\u003e\nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFluvanna, June 26\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam:\u003cbr\u003e\nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Orange C. H.\u003cbr\u003e\nAugst. 18th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister--\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026amp; have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026amp; and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026amp; Washington, \u0026amp; their army is now too weak to be divided.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFenton says in her letter that she \u0026amp; the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026amp; succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026amp; fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026amp; anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026amp; jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026amp; plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026amp; I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026amp; that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026amp; I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026amp; staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026amp; Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026amp; the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026amp; remember me to all enquiring friends.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Orange C. H.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 27, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister--\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEverything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill Fenton \u0026amp; Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Fredericksburg, April 17th/62","Dear Sam \u0026 Mr. Bruce- \nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.","They sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026 family \u0026 Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.","A great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.","Richmond, May 17th","Dear Sam: \nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.","I wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.","I have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.","Your Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.","I dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.","Fluvanna, June 26","Dear Sam: \nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.","Your last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.","I hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.","I would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.","Your uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nAugst. 18th, 1863","Dear Sister-- \nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026 have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026 and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.","We heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026 Washington, \u0026 their army is now too weak to be divided.","Fenton says in her letter that she \u0026 the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026 succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026 fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026 anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026 jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.","We are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026 plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026 I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026 that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.","Dr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026 I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026 staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026 myself, \u0026 one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026 Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026 the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026 remember me to all enquiring friends. \nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nMarch 27, 1864","My dear Sister-- \nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.","I suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.","Everything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.","There is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.","Tell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.","I am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.","I suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.","Will Fenton \u0026 Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel S. Brooke papers, 1861-1917. MS 0221. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers, 1861-1917. MS 0221. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIssued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRegards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.","In addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.","Written from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.","Written from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Document commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.","Special Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.","Issued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Regards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.","Appoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_cc34fecb0fd7d6f78c29af65af21b932\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":13,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:11.210Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_606","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_606.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00021.xml","title_ssm":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"title_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1917"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1917"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606"],"text":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606","Samuel S. Brooke papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates","There are no restrictions.","A bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable  online .","Samuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.","In May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.","After the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke.","Fredericksburg, April 17th/62","Dear Sam \u0026 Mr. Bruce- \nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.","They sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026 family \u0026 Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.","A great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.","Richmond, May 17th","Dear Sam: \nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.","I wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.","I have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.","Your Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.","I dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.","Fluvanna, June 26","Dear Sam: \nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.","Your last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.","I hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.","I would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.","Your uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nAugst. 18th, 1863","Dear Sister-- \nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026 have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026 and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.","We heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026 Washington, \u0026 their army is now too weak to be divided.","Fenton says in her letter that she \u0026 the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026 succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026 fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026 anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026 jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.","We are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026 plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026 I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026 that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.","Dr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026 I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026 staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026 myself, \u0026 one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026 Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026 the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026 remember me to all enquiring friends. \nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nMarch 27, 1864","My dear Sister-- \nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.","I suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.","Everything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.","There is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.","Tell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.","I am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.","I suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.","Will Fenton \u0026 Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all.","The Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.","In addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.","Written from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.","Written from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Document commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.","Special Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.","Issued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Regards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.","Appoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0221","/repositories/3/resources/606"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"collection_ssim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creator_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"creators_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1861","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 47th","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["11 items"],"extent_tesim":["11 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Military commissions","Orders (military records)","Certificates"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1923\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A bulk of the Samuel S. Brooke papers are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Selden Brooke was born on November 10, 1841 in Stafford County, Virginia to Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr. and Angelina Edrington. Brooke enrolled at VMI in July 1857 and was a cadet for one year. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, and in April 1861, he joined the Confederate Army.","In May 1861 Brooke commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with Company I, 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In May 1862 he was promoted to Captain. He served with this unit until the end of the Civil War.","After the War, Brooke resided in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he studied law and opened a practice. In 1882 he moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was a newspaper editor and Clerk of Court. He married Bettie Lewis Young in 1872 and the couple had six children: Samuel, Henry, Edgar, Vena, Sarah, and Cary. Brooke died on January 10, 1918 in Roanoke."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFredericksburg, April 17th/62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam \u0026amp; Mr. Bruce-\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026amp; family \u0026amp; Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, May 17th\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam:\u003cbr\u003e\nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFluvanna, June 26\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sam:\u003cbr\u003e\nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Orange C. H.\u003cbr\u003e\nAugst. 18th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister--\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026amp; have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026amp; and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026amp; Washington, \u0026amp; their army is now too weak to be divided.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFenton says in her letter that she \u0026amp; the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026amp; succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026amp; fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026amp; anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026amp; jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026amp; plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026amp; I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026amp; that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026amp; I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026amp; staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026amp; myself, \u0026amp; one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026amp; Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026amp; the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026amp; remember me to all enquiring friends.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Orange C. H.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 27, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Sister--\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEverything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill Fenton \u0026amp; Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Fredericksburg, April 17th/62","Dear Sam \u0026 Mr. Bruce- \nThe Yankees will be in town today at eleven o'clock. This may be the last letter I shall be able to write you for some time. The enemy took Falmouth yesterday. Our forces retreated yesterday, and now not a Confederate flag, soldier, or tent can be seen. Our force is said to\nhave been [3,200?], the Yankees are estimated at from 15,000 to 8001. We had some skirmishing with them and lost a man or two, several men wounded, we killed several of the enemy. It was the saddest sight I ever saw, to see our men retreating yesterday, almost at double quick, leaving us behind to the enemy, and the black smoke rolling up from the burning bridges.","They sent a white flag over yesterday and we sent some men with one back to them. Then two Yankees came over and said, \"Gen. Augur (their Gen.) said he would take possession of the city at eleven oclock today and that private property should be respected,\" but who believes a\nword they say. We tried to hide every thing we could yesterday. I am afraid Mr. William Moncure is going to leave us. I suppose you know we have Mrs. W. Moncure \u0026 family \u0026 Mrs. Bankhead with us. We have gotten fixed in our new home and are as comfortable as circumstances admit. Mr. [A___t] is very kind to us. Yesterday he was here three times--we value a friend now highly.","A great many people left town yesterday. The trains will only run to [__lford] now. The last one went out yesterday. I do wish we was behind the lines and feel much afraid of the Yankees, but I know it was impossible for us to go, and we will have to make the best of it. It all looks very dark now, but I know nothing happens by chance, and whatever is, must be the best for us. I do hope brighter days are coming.","Richmond, May 17th","Dear Sam: \nI write this letter with a sad heart because besides my own sorrow I have melancholy tidings for you. It deeply grieves me to tell you your poor mother is dead. I received the melancholy news through a letter from Sugar which I did not receive until it had been written a week. She seems to have been much worse after they moved, took a great dislike to stimulants (by which her strength had been kept up), grew gradually weaker to the last. I wish I could say anything to comfort you, dear Sam, but I know your affectionate heart will deeply mourn her loss. Her\nlife has lately been one of constant suffering. This is now over. Let us hope she has found that rest and peace she so much desired.","I wrote you more than a week ago and sent the letter with a bundle Mrs. St. G. Tucker was sending to Mr. Tucker, but I now find it has never reached you. Mr. Tucker came in very unexpectedly yesterday and says he has never received his bundle and also that he has not seen you and did not know you were with the army, but now promises to find you and to send the letter if he gets the bundle. It is a terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love.","I have been very anxious to send you and Mr. B. something to eat but they tell me it is vain to hope it would ever reach you. I think a great deal of you and wonder how you bear the hardships of camp life. Oh! I hope you can look to God as your friend and Father and can hope that through the merits of your saviour, your sins are pardoned. You have had many warnings, in the loss of those dear to you, that you should also be in a state of preparation for death. I hope you will think of this and that God who has afflicted you will also comfort you.","Your Uncle's family will leave here on Monday evening for the country, and as we cannot now get to Fredericksburg we shall go with them. If we could have kept clear of the Yankees we intended to have returned to live with T. and your sisters, but I cannot put myself in the power of our enemies without protection. The Doctor you know cannot return, but is obliged to remain here. He seems truly unhappy about his family. We are going by the canal to some place in Albemarle. I shall leave my direction with Mrs. Daniel and when you write send the letter to her\nand she will forward it to me. You can send it with Johnnie's.","I dislike much to go, for I shall feel more cut off from you and your sisters than ever, but your Uncle thinks it necessary to place us in a place of comparative safety and also of freedom from the turmoil of the city. Your Aunt Louisa sends her love to you. She has not been well but I\nhope when she has country air, and quiet, she will be better. Give my love to Mr. Bruce. Write me whenever you can and believe me your ever affectionate Aunt A. M. B.","Fluvanna, June 26","Dear Sam: \nI should have answered both your letter and Mrs. Daniel's which I received by Mrs. Brent, but I have been more indisposed lately and when mail day came felt too weak to make even that exertion. My complaint is the same to which I referred in a former letter to Mrs. D., not dangerous but very weakening and troublesome.","Your last was more satisfactory, but still tells nothing of your real self, you thoughts and feeling, why do you not speak of your hopes for the future, your chances of promotion,or you might say whether camp life has a good or bad influence on yourself. I know Dear Sam you have felt your afflictions deeply and to one of your affectionate heart the situation of your sisters must be a source of constant anxiety, but you repress all these feelings, and in writing to an old and constant friend, on who deeply shares your cares, you say nothing. Oh my dear, this is not right. I think I would give more to know the state of your mind and heart than to be sure that Jackson had come to Richmond and defeated McClellan, but I will say no more.","I hope you will not be so imprudent as to go to Fredericksburg. It could do no possible good and might result in a long imprisonment and add to our other misfortunes, the bitterest of all. Dr. Daniel must be a complete will of wisp, the first letter I received from him was from the canal boat. He there says he is going to Charlottesville and that he should remain there some\ntime. I immediately wrote to him there, which letter he never received. He next writes me a short note, and says he is staying at Mr. Jas. Scott's, and that I must direct to him at Harrises P. O., Louisa County, to the care of Mr. Scott. I again obeyed and enclosed a letter to Fenton\nand Sugar which I hoped he might find means of sending. He says he has had no definite news from Fenton but had sent her a verbal message. The date of his note is 7 of June, it is very short and quite unsatisfactory. Since then I have not heard a word from him or from our dear ones in Fredericksburg.","I would like to consult him about my own case if I could get at him. There is a Dr. Wynn who lives quite near and who has treated your Uncle's children very successfully, but I dread a strange doctor so much, that I have not yet consulted him. I was truly glad to hear that you were better and hope will continue to improve. You do not say whether Dr. Tucker continues to practice on you.","Your uncle H. is obliged to be in Richmond by the 10th of July. You must try to see him. He told me he had been looking for you for some time before he found you. He is I know as kindly disposed towards you as possible, and I have had a long talk with him about you and your affairs. He returned here to find his youngest child at the point of death. I have never seen so ill a child. She is now almost well, only weak. You must thank Mrs. Daniel for her letter and for the papers and for her kindness to you. Give my love to her and say that I will write to her as\nsoon as possible. And now God bless and protect you dear Sam. Write soon and often to your true friend, Aunt M. Brooke. Your Aunt Louisa has been suffering with a very sore eye. She sends much love to you.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nAugst. 18th, 1863","Dear Sister-- \nI wrote a long letter to sister Fenton yesterday \u0026 have, I believe, written myself out of news \u0026 and everything else. I am afraid I shall have to write you a short and uninteresting letter.","We heard yesterday that the Yankees has retreated to the other side of the Rappahanock. What their next move might\nbe I don't know. Some seem to think that they will go on the peninsulas or somewhere on the south side of the James\nRiver, but I do not think so. I think they will always keep an army between us \u0026 Washington, \u0026 their army is now too weak to be divided.","Fenton says in her letter that she \u0026 the Dr. have gotten situations in Camp Jackson. Where is Camp Jackson? I do not remember ever to have heard of it. I hope they will be comfortably fixed \u0026 succeed as well as they wish in their new situation. I expect that Maj. Bruce will get a transfer to Engineering dept: he is applying for it. I hope he will succeed. He is tired to death I know with this kind of service and so am I. Marching I do detest \u0026 fighting I love no better, but there is no other alternative for me. I am not an Engineer \u0026 anything else that I know of but a blockhead an annoyance to myself and all concerned with me. I had thought of running off \u0026 jumping aboard the Florida or something of the sort\nbut when I reflected that the Florida was probably too far from shore for me to jump into her I abandoned the idea.","We are however very comfortably fixed here, have a tent \u0026 plenty of beef to eat, etc. I have not been out of camp but once since I have been here, they are very strict and no one can leave camp without a pass signed by a Maj. Genl. It is most agreeably cool this morning, something like fall, heretofore it has been scorching hot \u0026 I am glad to see a prospect for a more agreeable spell. I have been looking out for another letter from some of you. When I am not on duty I just lie in my tent and calculate the probability of my getting a letter on that day or the next and am almost always disappointed. I do not believe I get half the letters you write me. I have not heard but once from you since you married \u0026 that has been a month ago. One letter a month! But I know you have a great many things to occupy your mind.","Dr. Bankhead has just come in \u0026 I have to entertain him as no one else is here. He comes over very frequently. I am\nafraid I shall have to cut my letter short as I have been talking to him until it is nearly time for the mail to go. I shall look daily for a letter from some of you. How are the girls in Danville? I hope you will be able to find a school they will like better something more private than a regular boarding school I would suggest. I think there are serious objections to a boarding school such as I imagine [Mr. Dames'?] to be but you all know more about all that than I do. I would give anything to see you all if it was only for 5 minutes, but it is an impossibility to do so now. We have now but 6 officers in the whole Regiment exclusive of the Field \u0026 staff. The Regt. is divided into 5 companies commanded by Capts. Wharton, Woolfolk, Garland, Green \u0026 myself, \u0026 one Lieutenant. Clarence Woolfolk is now Capt. I suppose that you knew that before. I must now close as it is moving near to the time when the mail starts \u0026 Dr. B is dinging in my ears so I can not write. Write to me soon very soon. Give my best love to Mr. A__, Aunt Louisa, Fenton, the Dr. \u0026 the boys. Give my best love to the Girls when you write to them \u0026 remember me to all enquiring friends. \nYour devoted brother, Saml. S. Brooke.","Camp near Orange C. H. \nMarch 27, 1864","My dear Sister-- \nI received your letter yesterday and had only one fault to find with that was it was too short. You gave me a great deal of news nevertheless. I suppose by the time you get this Peter Hull will have arrived in town. You must know that Peter and myself are rivals either for Miss Monie\nor Miss Millie I don't know which, so you must spy upon him and watch him even as the cat doeth the small rat and report promptly all things of suspicious nature. I want to be even with him when he comes to camp, for when I came back he knew everything I had said and done while I was down there. You said in your letter that Miss Monie had deserted me \"Entre nous.\" I don't care a fig if she has but you need [not] let her think that. I want to have some fun out of Peter Hull, he is evidently extremely jealous of me but I can't tell exactly whether it is Miss Monie or Miss Millie he doth affect the most. Whichever one it is there am I also. I expect you are tired of this nonsense but really it is so dull up here that I have nothing to write about.","I suppose you saw in the papers an account of the Tournament we had up here. It was a poor affair I thought, and the Queen of Love and Beauty was as ugly as a stump fence. They are going to have another on a grander scale soon I believe. I will give you a full description of it\nwhen it occurs. Capt. Green I believe will ride. None others from the Regt. have any hand in it. If either of the Miss \"M's\" would come up I would probably scare up an Ishmaelite and tilt for them, don't tell them I said so.","Everything is extremely quiet here. Snow fell to the depth of several inches and it rained all day yesterday so I suppose Old Meade will be weather bound for a few weeks. I do not now think we will go to Tennessee, it was merely a rumor that I mentioned before when it was thought\nthat all the severe fighting would be done in the South West. It is now thought that yet another grand effort to take Richmond this year will be made by \"Grant\" in \"Propria persona\" who will doubtless follow in the foot steps of his illustrious predecessors and walk the plank into obscurity after his first engagement with Uncle Bob Lee.","There is nothing as yet particularly cheering or disheartening in the Military horizon. I think the\nprospect for an active and laborious campaign in Virginia is pretty clear and we will again this spring renew our old occupation and struggle between life and death for six more weary months. A pleasant thing to contemplate to one who has experience it. As to peace Heaven only knows when that will come. I suppose however that war can't last forever but I can see no indication of an early peace. We have gotten so used to war now that aplenty to eat is all we look for. We expect to make this our trade for we have become fitted for nothing else now.","Tell Maria I received her letter a few days ago and am much gratified at it and will answer it soon. I hope she will write to me again soon. I have been so uncomfortably fixed this bad weather and having to appear at times as witness before Courts Martial that I have postponed\nwriting from time to time, and I wrote such a flood of them at first. I thought I would have off a while.","I am surprised Jennie did not get her letter. I sent it by private hands but who it was I have really forgotten, either Jno. Dent or Tom Berry I think, but it was an uninteresting letter anyway so she lost nothing.","I suppose you and Jennie will be over with Maria by the time this gets to you, or ready to go at all events. I would like very much to drop in to see you a little while but there is no chance of that now. I might have gotten a few days some time ago probably but made no attempt to do\nso. I have had my share this winter and do not expect to see you all again until this campaign is over if I am so fortunate as to survive the storm that will soon burst over us.","Will Fenton \u0026 Mrs. D continue their boarding house at the present high prices? I cannot tell how they manage to get anything eatable now up here where the army has been camped so long. You cannot get anything for love or money and we have to depend on our rations entirely which amount to 1/4 lb. bacon per day apiece about as big as your two fore fingers and a 1/2 lb. flour or meal. I hope however it may get no worse for I can hardly tell where on earth they get this from but I hope it will hold out until the campaign is over at all."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel S. Brooke papers, 1861-1917. MS 0221. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Samuel S. Brooke papers, 1861-1917. MS 0221. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIssued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRegards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Samuel S. Brooke papers consist of the personal papers (11 items) Brooke. The papers include five letters (dated 1862-1864) to and from family members that are largely concerned with personal family matters, but include some references to the Civil War and civilian life in Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. Other topics include the 47th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including comments about camp life.","In addition to correspondence, the papers contain commissions, orders, certificates, and other official documents dating from Brooke's Civil War service and later life.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the retreat of the Confederate troops and her fear of the impending occupation of the city by Union troops commanded by General Augur.","Written from from Richmond, Virginia. Letter gives Samuel S. Brooke the news of his mother's death, laments the \"terrible feature of this war that it cuts off all communication with those we love,\" and gives news that the family is leaving Richmond to go to countryside.","Written from Fluvanna, Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and general Civil War news.","Written from Orange Court House, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Document commissions Samuel S. Brooke as a 2nd Lieutenant.","Special Orders No. 288. Samuel S. Brooke is sent on a recruiting trip.","Issued by the office of Provost Marshall, Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Regards the estate of Samuel Selden Brooke, Sr.","Appoints Samuel S. Brooke Captain of Roanoke Light Infantry, Virginia Volunteers."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_cc34fecb0fd7d6f78c29af65af21b932\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Brooke, Samuel S. (Samuel Selden), 1841-1918","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    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