{"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%94Personal+narratives%E2%80%94Confederate\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Collection","next":"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%94Personal+narratives%E2%80%94Confederate\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Collection\u0026page=2","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%94Personal+narratives%E2%80%94Confederate\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Collection\u0026page=3"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":3,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":29,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_582.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00001.xml","title_ssm":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"title_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1993"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1993"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582"],"text":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582","Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings","There are no restrictions.","A bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n online .","A photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable  online .","Andrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.","At the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919.","The bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). ","The papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.","Written from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.","Written from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.","Written from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.","Written from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.","Written from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.","Letter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.","Account book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.","Partial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.","\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.","Written by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.","Written by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"","Document was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.","Proceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917.","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","United Confederate Veterans","Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"collection_ssim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creator_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creators_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"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—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["35 items"],"extent_tesim":["35 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"date_range_isim":[1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993],"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 Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1918\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3240\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n online .","A photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Andrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.","At the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew C. L. Gatewood papers, 1860-1993. MS 0068. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers, 1860-1993. MS 0068. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAccount book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePartial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917.\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","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 bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). ","The papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.","Written from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.","Written from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.","Written from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.","Written from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.","Written from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.","Letter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.","Account book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.","Partial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.","\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.","Written by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.","Written by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"","Document was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.","Proceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917."],"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_f3d0ffdf4864efbcf325abc5200c0bf2\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","United Confederate Veterans","Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","United Confederate Veterans"],"persname_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_582.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00001.xml","title_ssm":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"title_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1993"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1993"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582"],"text":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582","Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings","There are no restrictions.","A bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n online .","A photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable  online .","Andrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.","At the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919.","The bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). ","The papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.","Written from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.","Written from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.","Written from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.","Written from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.","Written from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.","Letter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.","Account book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.","Partial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.","\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.","Written by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.","Written by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"","Document was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.","Proceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917.","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","United Confederate Veterans","Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0068","/repositories/3/resources/582"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"collection_ssim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creator_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"creators_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?"],"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—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 11th","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["35 items"],"extent_tesim":["35 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Account Books","Manuscripts","Clippings"],"date_range_isim":[1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992,1993],"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 Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1918\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3240\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["A bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers are avaliable \n online .","A photograph of Gatewood is also avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Andrew Cameron Lewis Gatewood was born at Mountain Grove, Bath County, Virginia, on June 30, 1843 to Samuel Vance Gatewood (1810-1861) and Eugenia Sophia Massie (1819-1884). He entered the VMI in July 1860, where he served as a cadet until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. On April 16, 1861, he accompanied the Corps of Cadets to Richmond, Virginia where he served as a drillmaster to new\nConfederate recruits. Gatewood subsequently served in the same capacity under General Robert S. Garnett at Laurel Hill, Barbour County, West Virginia. He joined the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment in March 1862 and was elected 2nd Lieutenant,\n\"F\" Company (Bath Squadron). He served in this unit until the end of the War.","At the close of the Civil War, Gatewood returned to Bath County. His father had died suddenly in 1861 without leaving a will, and as the oldest son, he took on responsibility for his family's affairs. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Skillern Warwick (1845-1922) in 1869 and the couple had seven children: William Beale, Eugene Samuel, Massie Cameron, Andrew Warwick, Mary Preston, Eliza Pleasants, and one child who died in infancy. The couple moved to Big Spring, Pocahontas County, West Virginia in 1877 where Gatewood spent the remainder of his life working as a farmer and stock raiser. He died on July 31, 1919."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew C. L. Gatewood papers, 1860-1993. MS 0068. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers, 1860-1993. MS 0068. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAccount book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePartial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917.\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","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 bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run). ","The papers also include a \"History of the Bath Squadron,\" consisting of a manuscript fragment, copies of a series of published newspaper articles concerning the unit, and an edited transcription, publications concerning Confederate veteran reunions, and Gatewood's VMI cadet account book.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards initiation of new cadets, early reference to term \"rat\" as a name for a new cadet, complaints of homesickness, and comments on living in camp.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes daily routine of cadets, life in camp, and difficulty of studies.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes dismantling summer camp and moving into barracks.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses family matters, including court summons.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses examinations, Christmas at VMI, and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter mentions examinations and the secession of South Carolina.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he did well on his examinations and gives his class standing. The letter also mentions the secession of Florida and other states.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the family's runaway slave, Jesse, and mentions willingness of cadets to fight to \"save Virginia.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, including an invitation to a party, his studies, and a request for money.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses squad drill, general news, and speculates about Virginia secession and the War.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the need for new summer pants and the high price of cloth.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses general news, living in barracks, and anxiety about the return to summer camp in July.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes the \"flag raising incident,\" a confrontation between Lexington secessionists (including cadets), and pro-Union citizens.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter describes excitement among VMI cadets as Virginia decides to secede, suspension of academic duty, and cadet preparation for war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that the Corps of Cadets will be ordered to Richmond, Virginia probably to drill recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter describes the cadets' journey from Lexington, Virginia to Richmond and more news of drilling new recruits.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter informs his parents that he is drilling a company of new recruits and hopes for a commission.","Written from Ashland, Virginia. Letter discusses a transfer to the Ashland Camp of Instruction to drill army recruits.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Andrew C. L. Gatewood has returned to VMI to drill new cadets and University of Virginia students who are at VMI to receive training. Letter includes a complaint that he is not paid for his services and is still expected to pay room and board and the hopes to get a furlough.","Written from Mountain Grove, Virginia. Letter discusses preparations to serve as drillmaster with the 81st regiment.","Written from Manassas, Virginia. Letter describes the Second Battle of Manassas.","Written from Edinburg, Virginia. Letter discusses potential to be sent to Harrisonburg, Virginia and mentions victory at Vicksburg, Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news.","Written from Falling Springs Church, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Letter regards regiment encampment.","Letter written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards the regiment's presention of the VMI Corps of Cadets with a captured flag and a review of troops by General Smith.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards camp at Waynesboro and expected orders to march and battle.","Written from Waynesboro, Virginia. Letter regards that the brigade is ordered to eastern Virginia.","Written from the 11th Regiment camp. Letter regards general news from camp.","Account book contains entries for cadet expenses from July 31, 1860 to May 22, 1861.","Partial \"History of the Bath Squadron or Recollections of Thirty Years Ago\" manuscript in Andrew C. L. Gatewood's hand.","\"History of the Bath Squadron\" typescript with annotations by C.L. Gatewood's grandson, John M. Dunlap, Jr. Included is a 5.25 inch floppy disk that contains a digital version of the typescript.","Written by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Chairman. Report read by the committee chairman in Richmond, Virginia on June 5, 1899.","Written by J. Coleman Alderson. Pamphlet contains \"speeches, engravings of the speakers, and General Officers of this Division, with other prominent West Virginia Confederates.\"","Document was printed for the \"27th Reunion...United Confederate Veterans 22nd Annual Reunion...Sons of Veterans\" held in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to 8, 1917.","Proceedings of the 27th Annual Reunion of the Confederate Veterans, the 18th Annual Convention of the Confederated Southern Memorial Association, and the 22nd Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans held in Washington D.C. from June 4 to 7, 1917."],"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_f3d0ffdf4864efbcf325abc5200c0bf2\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","United Confederate Veterans","Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","United Confederate Veterans"],"persname_ssim":["Gatewood, Andrew C. L. (Andrew Cameron Lewis), 1843-1919","Dunlap, John M., Jr. (John McKee), 1917-?","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:42.873Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_582"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_473.xml","title_ssm":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"title_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1863-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1863-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473"],"text":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473","Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This colleciton is available online","Andrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County.","From October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).","Oct 25th, 1863 \nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy","Dear Affectionate Sister- \nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026 happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026 c.","I am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026 especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026 bad with disease \u0026 sickness again, \u0026 that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026 the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026 serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026 live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026 make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026 c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026 myself on the way in this great work.","I was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026 loss of losing her horses \u0026 the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026 c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026 he will tell you all about the matter \u0026 consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.","Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026 both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026 fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026 hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.","Martha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026 I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026 I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.","You said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026 let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.","I must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026 c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.","Write immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026 family \u0026 all of my relations \u0026 friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026 never received a letter from her","January 16th, 1864 \nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. ","My dear sister \nMiss M. E. McCoy \nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026 well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026 Caroline's family \u0026 also all of my friends \u0026 relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026 highly favored blessing.","Indeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026 he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026 can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026 Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026 Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026 all was right so far as we have yet seen.","I got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026 send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026 two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026 when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.","You said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026 that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026 that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026 have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...","March 11th, 1864 \nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. ","My dear sister \nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 c.","I am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026 have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026 I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026 pain in my left side \u0026 through my back \u0026 limbs \u0026 to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026 the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026 also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026 I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026 in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026 exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026 Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026.","I have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026 driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026 mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026 the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026 release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026 then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026 his cabinet \u0026 all the leading men of Richmond \u0026 then plunder \u0026 take off what they could \u0026 then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026 children or anything else \u0026 destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.","As I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026 c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026 brother as ever until death. A. J. McCoy.","This collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.","Written from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid.","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","McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"collection_ssim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creator_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creator_persname_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creators_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["3 items"],"extent_tesim":["3 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1863,1864],"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/1827\"\u003eThis colleciton is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This colleciton is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrom October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOct 25th, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Affectionate Sister-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026amp; happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026amp; especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026amp; bad with disease \u0026amp; sickness again, \u0026amp; that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026amp; the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026amp; serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026amp; live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026amp; make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026amp; c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026amp; myself on the way in this great work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026amp; loss of losing her horses \u0026amp; the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026amp; c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026amp; he will tell you all about the matter \u0026amp; consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJared M. Wilson \u0026amp; Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026amp; both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026amp; fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026amp; hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMartha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026amp; I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026amp; I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026amp; let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026amp; c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026amp; family \u0026amp; all of my relations \u0026amp; friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026amp; never received a letter from her\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJanuary 16th, 1864\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nMiss M. E. McCoy\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026amp; well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026amp; Caroline's family \u0026amp; also all of my friends \u0026amp; relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026amp; highly favored blessing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIndeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026amp; as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026amp; he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026amp; can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026amp; Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026amp; Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026amp; Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026amp; all was right so far as we have yet seen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026amp; send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026amp; two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026amp; when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026amp; that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026amp; that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026amp; have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 11th, 1864\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026amp; have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026amp; I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026amp; pain in my left side \u0026amp; through my back \u0026amp; limbs \u0026amp; to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026amp; the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026amp; also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026amp; I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026amp; in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026amp; exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026amp; Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026amp;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026amp; driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026amp; mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026amp; the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026amp; release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026amp; then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026amp; his cabinet \u0026amp; all the leading men of Richmond \u0026amp; then plunder \u0026amp; take off what they could \u0026amp; then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026amp; children or anything else \u0026amp; destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026amp; c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026amp; brother as ever until death.\u003cbr\u003eA. J. McCoy.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Additional Information","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["From October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).","Oct 25th, 1863 \nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy","Dear Affectionate Sister- \nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026 happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026 c.","I am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026 especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026 bad with disease \u0026 sickness again, \u0026 that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026 the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026 serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026 live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026 make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026 c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026 myself on the way in this great work.","I was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026 loss of losing her horses \u0026 the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026 c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026 he will tell you all about the matter \u0026 consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.","Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026 both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026 fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026 hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.","Martha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026 I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026 I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.","You said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026 let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.","I must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026 c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.","Write immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026 family \u0026 all of my relations \u0026 friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026 never received a letter from her","January 16th, 1864 \nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. ","My dear sister \nMiss M. E. McCoy \nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026 well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026 Caroline's family \u0026 also all of my friends \u0026 relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026 highly favored blessing.","Indeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026 he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026 can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026 Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026 Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026 all was right so far as we have yet seen.","I got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026 send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026 two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026 when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.","You said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026 that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026 that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026 have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...","March 11th, 1864 \nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. ","My dear sister \nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 c.","I am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026 have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026 I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026 pain in my left side \u0026 through my back \u0026 limbs \u0026 to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026 the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026 also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026 I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026 in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026 exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026 Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026.","I have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026 driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026 mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026 the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026 release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026 then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026 his cabinet \u0026 all the leading men of Richmond \u0026 then plunder \u0026 take off what they could \u0026 then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026 children or anything else \u0026 destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.","As I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026 c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026 brother as ever until death. A. J. McCoy."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew J. McCoy Civil War letters, 1863-1864. MS 0393. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters, 1863-1864. MS 0393. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.","Written from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid."],"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_23396dd8b5ed3a52dce726ba733f3ec1\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:08:56.275Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_473.xml","title_ssm":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"title_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1863-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1863-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473"],"text":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473","Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This colleciton is available online","Andrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County.","From October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).","Oct 25th, 1863 \nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy","Dear Affectionate Sister- \nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026 happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026 c.","I am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026 especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026 bad with disease \u0026 sickness again, \u0026 that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026 the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026 serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026 live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026 make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026 c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026 myself on the way in this great work.","I was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026 loss of losing her horses \u0026 the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026 c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026 he will tell you all about the matter \u0026 consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.","Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026 both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026 fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026 hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.","Martha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026 I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026 I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.","You said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026 let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.","I must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026 c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.","Write immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026 family \u0026 all of my relations \u0026 friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026 never received a letter from her","January 16th, 1864 \nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. ","My dear sister \nMiss M. E. McCoy \nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026 well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026 Caroline's family \u0026 also all of my friends \u0026 relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026 highly favored blessing.","Indeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026 he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026 can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026 Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026 Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026 all was right so far as we have yet seen.","I got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026 send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026 two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026 when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.","You said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026 that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026 that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026 have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...","March 11th, 1864 \nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. ","My dear sister \nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 c.","I am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026 have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026 I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026 pain in my left side \u0026 through my back \u0026 limbs \u0026 to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026 the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026 also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026 I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026 in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026 exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026 Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026.","I have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026 driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026 mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026 the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026 release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026 then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026 his cabinet \u0026 all the leading men of Richmond \u0026 then plunder \u0026 take off what they could \u0026 then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026 children or anything else \u0026 destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.","As I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026 c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026 brother as ever until death. A. J. McCoy.","This collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.","Written from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid.","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","McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0393","/repositories/3/resources/473"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"collection_ssim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creator_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creator_persname_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"creators_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 25th","Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid (Virginia : 1864)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["3 items"],"extent_tesim":["3 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1863,1864],"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/1827\"\u003eThis colleciton is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This colleciton is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy was born in Highland County, Virginia in 1832 and was a farmer in the Doe Hill area of that county. He enlisted at Monterey in August 1861 and served for the entire Civil War. He was paroled at Staunton, Virginia on May 25, 1865. After the War he returned to his farm at Doe Hill, where he died on November 28, 1902. He is buried in Doe Hill Cemetery, Highland County."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrom October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOct 25th, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Affectionate Sister-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026amp; happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026amp; especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026amp; bad with disease \u0026amp; sickness again, \u0026amp; that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026amp; the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026amp; serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026amp; live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026amp; make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026amp; c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026amp; myself on the way in this great work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026amp; loss of losing her horses \u0026amp; the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026amp; c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026amp; he will tell you all about the matter \u0026amp; consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJared M. Wilson \u0026amp; Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026amp; both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026amp; fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026amp; hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMartha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026amp; I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026amp; I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026amp; let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026amp; c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWrite immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026amp; family \u0026amp; all of my relations \u0026amp; friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026amp; never received a letter from her\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJanuary 16th, 1864\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nMiss M. E. McCoy\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026amp; well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026amp; Caroline's family \u0026amp; also all of my friends \u0026amp; relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026amp; highly favored blessing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIndeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026amp; as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026amp; he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026amp; can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026amp; Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026amp; Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026amp; Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026amp; all was right so far as we have yet seen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026amp; send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026amp; two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026amp; when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026amp; that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026amp; that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026amp; have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 11th, 1864\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sister\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026amp; have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026amp; I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026amp; pain in my left side \u0026amp; through my back \u0026amp; limbs \u0026amp; to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026amp; the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026amp; also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026amp; I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026amp; in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026amp; exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026amp; Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026amp;.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026amp; driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026amp; mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026amp; the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026amp; release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026amp; then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026amp; his cabinet \u0026amp; all the leading men of Richmond \u0026amp; then plunder \u0026amp; take off what they could \u0026amp; then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026amp; children or anything else \u0026amp; destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026amp; c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026amp; brother as ever until death.\u003cbr\u003eA. J. McCoy.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Additional Information","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["From October 19 to November 7, 1863, the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment was in camp near Brandy Station. The troops continued to dismantle the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, sending the iron to Richmond, Virginia. For more information about this regiment, consult the book \"25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry\" by Richard L. Armstrong (H.E. Howard, Inc., © 1990).","Oct 25th, 1863 \nCamp Near Brandy Station, Culpeper Co. Va. Miss Martha E. McCoy","Dear Affectionate Sister- \nIt is with a considerable degree of pleasure within myself that I will now take my pen in hand to address to you a few lines in order to let you know that I am in tolerable good health at this present occasion, with the exception of a very bad cold that I have had for several days past which caused me to feel somewhat under the weather. But I truly hope that when this reaches you that all of you may be in the enjoyment of [special] good health through the blessings of God the Preserver of all our health \u0026 happiness in this world of sorrow \u0026 c.","I am truly pained to learn that the health of the people of Highland Co. \u0026 especially in the neighborhood of old Doe Hill has become so disastrous \u0026 bad with disease \u0026 sickness again, \u0026 that death has again visited that vicinity. It is truly taking everything into consideration between that \u0026 the trials of this war a very solemn \u0026 serious matter, but if it is God['s] will we must try \u0026 live to endure the afflictions that is to befall us in this life \u0026 make preparations with our almighty God to meet them in consequence of our behalf through the grace of Jesus Christ for the salvation of our souls in the world to come \u0026 c. But I will have to close on this subject for the present, hoping to God that he may speed you all \u0026 myself on the way in this great work.","I was sorry to hear of mother's misfortune \u0026 loss of losing her horses \u0026 the great drawback it will cause upon her with her work \u0026 c. But I suppose from what I can learn that there is no chance for her ever to get them back again. It is a great pity but what she could. Also the thieving rascals that taken them should share the punishment that they so justly deserve. I am also ashamed to know that southern men will be guilty of such disgraceful depredations on our own people, especially a poor helpless woman that is left in her situation, but I hope that such men will meet with the doom that becomes such villains.\nMartha I did not get your last letter until a day or two ago on account of the army being on motion. We did not get our regular mail until we got back off of our last trip after the yankees. I will not attempt to try to give you the particulars of our trip this time as John I. Rumisel has gone home on furlough \u0026 he will tell you all about the matter \u0026 consequently I have but little news to write to you at present.","Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Armstrong come back to the company night before last \u0026 both of them look better than ever. I saw them they look fat \u0026 fine. The rest of the boys are all well \u0026 hearty. Lieut. J. L. Hempstead is going to start away in the morning on furlough of twenty days so our company will be left without an officer until he returns again.","Martha I forgot to write to Sarah to send me a pair of mittens \u0026 I want her to send me a good heavy pair of half soles for my shoes if she can get them if she can get them by Rumisel when he comes back. I want you if you please to let her know as soon as you get this letter if it comes to hand in time. I also had on a new jeans vest when I left home. It was so warm \u0026 I left it at Augustus Stowbuses on North River Augusta Co. I would like if to have it if he can bring it to me.","You said in your letter something about naming that big boy you say I have out there if I had no name for him. I have no particular objection to the name you proposed to me to call it but I will tell you what name I had thought to give it but I still neglected to send the name to Sarah, it\nwas Davis Jackson. Write to me \u0026 let me know what you think of my name for him not that I object to your name at all.","I must close. You must excuse this kin of ink. I expect it will fade so can't read this letter at all. Very Respectfully yours \u0026 c. Your Brother Andr. J. McCoy.","Write immediately to me. Good by. Give my kindest regards to Caroline \u0026 family \u0026 all of my relations \u0026 friends. Tell mother she is due me a letter. I wrote to her some time ago \u0026 never received a letter from her","January 16th, 1864 \nCamp Near Pisgah Church, Orange Co., VA. ","My dear sister \nMiss M. E. McCoy \nIt is again that I take my pen in hand this evening in haste to write you a few lines in order to inform you that I am yet alive \u0026 well at this present time. I truly hope that these few lines may find you \u0026 Caroline's family \u0026 also all of my friends \u0026 relations in the enjoyment of the same great \u0026 highly favored blessing.","Indeed Martha I have not any news to communicate to you at this time that would be interesting to you. I just write this to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 as I have a good chance of sending it to you as W.H. Wilson is going to start home in the morning on furlough \u0026 he can tell you all more satisfactorily how we are situated \u0026 can give you the news generally with more satisfaction than I can write to you. John T. Armstrong \u0026 Chismas Malcomb landed in camp and last night they left Able \u0026 Christian Simmons at Orange. Jared M. Wilson \u0026 Josiah Wilson has gone up to the Depot to meet them with two wagons to haul our boxes. Since I have been writing they have come in about dark with their load \u0026 all was right so far as we have yet seen.","I got my barrel. There was seven cheeses in it that Mother wanted me to sell for her. I will try to sell them to the best advantage \u0026 send the money home to her by some of those men. I also got four letters, one from you, one from mother, \u0026 two from Sarah. You stated in your letter that you had sent me a pound cake in Jared's barrel. I have not seen him tonight yet to say anything to him about it. He stays over at Capt. Merritt's quarters with Jared Armstrong. I will see him soon but if I get it I will be truly thankful to you for it \u0026 when I eat it I will think of my dear sister Mat who sent it to me.","You said in your letter that you had written several letters to me lately \u0026 that you hadn't got any answers from me. If you wrote I assure you that I never got them. I have not got but one letter from you for more than a month until tonight \u0026 that you was afraid that I would forget you but I can tell you that is not the case. Oh it would do me so much good to see you all once more \u0026 have a general talk with you all again. I would do my very heart good...","March 11th, 1864 \nCamp, 25th Va. Infantry. Orange Co., Va. ","My dear sister \nIt is again after my respects to you that I avail myself of the privilege of dropping you a few lines in order to let you know how I am getting along \u0026 c.","I am in only tolerable health at this time \u0026 have been unwell for some time past. I am not doing any duty now \u0026 I don't feel at the present like doing any duty for some time yet. I have been troubled for about a month with some kind of a disease of the bowels and attended with a considerable swelling of the abdomen \u0026 pain in my left side \u0026 through my back \u0026 limbs \u0026 to make the matter worse with me I have taken a prodigiously bad cold \u0026 the worst kind of sore mouth \u0026 also my throat is somewhat sore. The Doctor would never tell me what he thought my complaint was. I have been going through a regular course of medicine \u0026 I am still under the charge of a Doctor but I hope that I will recover from my illness soon \u0026 in good health. I suppose it all originated from cold \u0026 exposure. I have had my health extremely well ever since I have been with the army since I last left home until now. I had thought that I was going to get along finely but it seems as though I was somewhat disappointed. But I hope these few lines may find you in the enjoyment of good health but notwithstanding I was very sorry to hear that you \u0026 Caroline had been very unwell some time ago but I truly hope that you are both in good\nhealth again \u0026.","I have nothing of much importance to write about at present. Everything along our lines appears perfectly quiet at this time but the Yankees tried to make a raid on Richmond last week but they was defeated \u0026 driven back with considerable loss. Their raiders consisted of Kilpatricks cavalry \u0026 mounted infantry about fifteen thousand strong. Col. Dahlgren was killed in the fight \u0026 the whole program of their raid was found in his pocket which showed to our people the villains intentions if they could of succeeded. They had for their main object to try \u0026 release the prisoners that we hold of theirs at Richmond at the Libby prison \u0026 then they was going to murder Jeff Davis \u0026 his cabinet \u0026 all the leading men of Richmond \u0026 then plunder \u0026 take off what they could \u0026 then burn the city down regardless of the women \u0026 children or anything else \u0026 destroy all that they could in the country that would render any service to the Rebels whatever. This was the plot that was found in the possession of the villain Yankee Col. Dahlgren commanding a part of their force.","As I do not feel much like writing today I shall close for the present hoping to hear from you soon by letter. You must excuse my scribbling \u0026 c. for I am in very much of a hurry. I remain your friend \u0026 brother as ever until death. A. J. McCoy."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAndrew J. McCoy Civil War letters, 1863-1864. MS 0393. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Andrew J. McCoy Civil War letters, 1863-1864. MS 0393. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of Civil War correspondence (three items) from Confederate soldier Andrew J. McCoy to his sister Martha written while he was serving with the 25th Virginia Infantry Regiment. The letters primarily concern family matters, camp hardships, and personal news, and provide insight into the life and thoughts of an ordinary soldier.","Written from Culpepper County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and family matters.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards family matters and goods sent to Andrew J. McCoy from family members. Letter consists of two pages with the remainder missing.","Written from Orange County, Virginia. Letter regards Andrew J. McCoy's health and the Kilpatrick-Dahlgren Raid."],"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_23396dd8b5ed3a52dce726ba733f3ec1\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["McCoy, Andrew J., 1832-1902"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":3,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:08:56.275Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_473"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Charles A. Derby papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. 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Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","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","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":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","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","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":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. 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In the letter, Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed as a 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_262#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_262","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_262","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_262","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_262","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_262.xml","title_ssm":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1865 March 28"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1865 March 28"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0182","/repositories/3/resources/262"],"text":["MS.0182","/repositories/3/resources/262","Charles W. Turner Civil War letter","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Charles William Turner was born in 1846 in Stephen City, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1867 and was a New Market cadet. He was also a lawyer and the Adjutant General of Montana. Turner died in 1907 in Seattle, Washington.","\"V.M.I.\" Richmond Mch 28th 1865","Maj. Garnett Andrews \nComdg 2d Foreign Batln","Sir: \nShriver has arrived \u0026 has handed my name with a list of others to the Secretary of War for Commissions \u0026 you may look for me with you soon.","Rec'd a letter from Staunton a few days since which informs me that Crawford went to Woodstock, in the Valley, whilst the Yankees were there \u0026 was captured which my correspondent says to say the least of was very imprudent.","Since he has of his own accord it seems been captured, his  situation will I suppose be vacant \u0026 as you promised me promotion when a vacancy occurred , please try \u0026 get the position for me. I am already a 2d Lieut in your Batln \u0026 would be more entitled to a 1st Lieutcy.  than one who has never rec'd an appoint. at all.  I understand that a cadet intends applying for Crawford's vacancy \u0026 request you to remember me in time.","Am fully convinced from Shriver's description that I will be well pleased with the new organization, \u0026 am anxious to join it forthwith.","In great haste \nYours most respectfully, \nCharles W. Turner","Shriver will give you more information perhaps in regard to Crawford.","This collection consists of one letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. In the letter, Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed as a 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit.","One letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. In the letter, Charles W. Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit.","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","Turner, Charles W. (Charles William), 1846-1907","Andrews, Garnett, 1837-1903","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0182","/repositories/3/resources/262"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Turner, Charles W. (Charles William), 1846-1907"],"creator_ssim":["Turner, Charles W. (Charles William), 1846-1907"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Turner, Charles W. (Charles William), 1846-1907"],"creators_ssim":["Turner, Charles W. (Charles William), 1846-1907"],"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 1867","New Market Cadets","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","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."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles William Turner was born in 1846 in Stephen City, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1867 and was a New Market cadet. He was also a lawyer and the Adjutant General of Montana. Turner died in 1907 in Seattle, Washington.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles William Turner was born in 1846 in Stephen City, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1867 and was a New Market cadet. He was also a lawyer and the Adjutant General of Montana. Turner died in 1907 in Seattle, Washington."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\"V.M.I.\" Richmond Mch 28th 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Garnett Andrews\u003cbr\u003e\nComdg 2d Foreign Batln\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nShriver has arrived \u0026amp; has handed my name with a list of others to the Secretary of War for Commissions \u0026amp; you may look for me with you soon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRec'd a letter from Staunton a few days since which informs me that Crawford went to Woodstock, in the Valley, whilst the Yankees were there \u0026amp; was captured which my correspondent says to say the least of was very imprudent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince he has of his own accord it seems been captured, his  situation will I suppose be vacant \u0026amp; as you promised me promotion when a vacancy occurred , please try \u0026amp; get the position for me. I am already a 2d Lieut in your Batln \u0026amp; would be more entitled to a 1st Lieutcy.  than one who has never rec'd an appoint. at all.  I understand that a cadet intends applying for Crawford's vacancy \u0026amp; request you to remember me in time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAm fully convinced from Shriver's description that I will be well pleased with the new organization, \u0026amp; am anxious to join it forthwith.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn great haste\u003cbr\u003e\nYours most respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nCharles W. Turner\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eShriver will give you more information perhaps in regard to Crawford.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["\"V.M.I.\" Richmond Mch 28th 1865","Maj. Garnett Andrews \nComdg 2d Foreign Batln","Sir: \nShriver has arrived \u0026 has handed my name with a list of others to the Secretary of War for Commissions \u0026 you may look for me with you soon.","Rec'd a letter from Staunton a few days since which informs me that Crawford went to Woodstock, in the Valley, whilst the Yankees were there \u0026 was captured which my correspondent says to say the least of was very imprudent.","Since he has of his own accord it seems been captured, his  situation will I suppose be vacant \u0026 as you promised me promotion when a vacancy occurred , please try \u0026 get the position for me. I am already a 2d Lieut in your Batln \u0026 would be more entitled to a 1st Lieutcy.  than one who has never rec'd an appoint. at all.  I understand that a cadet intends applying for Crawford's vacancy \u0026 request you to remember me in time.","Am fully convinced from Shriver's description that I will be well pleased with the new organization, \u0026 am anxious to join it forthwith.","In great haste \nYours most respectfully, \nCharles W. Turner","Shriver will give you more information perhaps in regard to Crawford."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles W. Turner Civil War letter, 1865 March 28. MS 0182. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter, 1865 March 28. MS 0182. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. 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Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit."],"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. 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I understand that a cadet intends applying for Crawford's vacancy \u0026 request you to remember me in time.","Am fully convinced from Shriver's description that I will be well pleased with the new organization, \u0026 am anxious to join it forthwith.","In great haste \nYours most respectfully, \nCharles W. Turner","Shriver will give you more information perhaps in regard to Crawford.","This collection consists of one letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. In the letter, Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed as a 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit.","One letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. In the letter, Charles W. Turner discussions his commission, other soldiers, and asks to be appointed 1st Lieutenant in Andrews' unit.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. 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Garnett Andrews \nComdg 2d Foreign Batln","Sir: \nShriver has arrived \u0026 has handed my name with a list of others to the Secretary of War for Commissions \u0026 you may look for me with you soon.","Rec'd a letter from Staunton a few days since which informs me that Crawford went to Woodstock, in the Valley, whilst the Yankees were there \u0026 was captured which my correspondent says to say the least of was very imprudent.","Since he has of his own accord it seems been captured, his  situation will I suppose be vacant \u0026 as you promised me promotion when a vacancy occurred , please try \u0026 get the position for me. I am already a 2d Lieut in your Batln \u0026 would be more entitled to a 1st Lieutcy.  than one who has never rec'd an appoint. at all.  I understand that a cadet intends applying for Crawford's vacancy \u0026 request you to remember me in time.","Am fully convinced from Shriver's description that I will be well pleased with the new organization, \u0026 am anxious to join it forthwith.","In great haste \nYours most respectfully, \nCharles W. Turner","Shriver will give you more information perhaps in regard to Crawford."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles W. Turner Civil War letter, 1865 March 28. MS 0182. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles W. Turner Civil War letter, 1865 March 28. MS 0182. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter from Charles W. Turner to Major Garnett Andrews, commander of the 2nd Foreign Battalion. 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The letter was written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing\" after the Battle of Chancellorsville. The letter regards the death of Stonewall Jackson. Myers served as a Sergeant with the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing\" after the Battle of Chancellorsville. The letter regards the death of Stonewall Jackson. Myers served as a Sergeant with the 33rd Virginia Infantry Regiment."],"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. 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W.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:18.821Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_459"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtracts from military orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_598.xml","title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"text":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598","Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions","There are no restrictions.","Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.","Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t","A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online .","The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"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 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["8 items"],"extent_tesim":["8 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"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\u003eFrancis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eExecutive Department\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Apl 29 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Lewis Cty Va\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am most Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHdqtrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nVirg Volunteers\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026amp; Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nR. E. Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl Comd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 4\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026amp; Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Maj. Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 5\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNo expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRecords + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major General Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 6\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr\u003cbr\u003e\nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e(signed)  John Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 267\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Withers,\u003cbr\u003e\nAAG\t\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3392\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtracts from military orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWriten from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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_976788868ba1aae0183916fb43d98e4b\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":8,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_598.xml","title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"text":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598","Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions","There are no restrictions.","Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.","Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t","A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online .","The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"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 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["8 items"],"extent_tesim":["8 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"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\u003eFrancis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eExecutive Department\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Apl 29 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Lewis Cty Va\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am most Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHdqtrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nVirg Volunteers\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026amp; Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nR. E. Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl Comd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 4\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026amp; Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Maj. Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 5\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNo expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRecords + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major General Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 6\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr\u003cbr\u003e\nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e(signed)  John Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 267\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Withers,\u003cbr\u003e\nAAG\t\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3392\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtracts from military orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWriten from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment 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_976788868ba1aae0183916fb43d98e4b\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":8,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Fulkerson Family papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e In addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e Also included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_596.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00012.xml","title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1835-1925"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1835-1925"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"text":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596","Fulkerson Family papers","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.","Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)","The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) ","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","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"creator_ssm":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creators_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925],"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\u003eMany items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/field/descri/searchterm/MS%200363/mode/exact\"\u003e available in full-text format\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n9 March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour son,\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near New Market\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Apl. 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCapt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026amp; S.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficial Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.\u003cbr\u003e  \n16 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026amp; brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026amp; he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026amp; Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026amp; that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026amp; fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026amp; Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026amp; we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026amp; sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026amp; Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District\u003cbr\u003e  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n28 May 1862  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026amp; 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026amp; 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026amp; efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026amp; Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026amp; men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml V. Fulkerson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comd. Brigd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic, Rockingham Co.\u003cbr\u003e \n8 [June] 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026amp; elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026amp; Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026amp; c., and a number of small arms.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026amp; burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026amp; limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026amp; Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026amp; c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026amp; will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026amp; Selina.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nS.V. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. F.M. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir your obdt. servt\u003cbr\u003e \nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApr 14 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVirginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCumberland Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOne of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026amp; uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026amp; Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\u003cbr\u003e\nAF\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eField Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026amp; sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026amp; in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026amp; c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficers Barracks\u003cbr\u003e \nFt. Delaware \u003cbr\u003e\nMay 13, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026amp; clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.\u003cbr\u003e \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a recent trip and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) "],"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_037e0e501ef493707a01e4a9bf4b0596\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862"],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":25,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:02.253Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_596.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00012.xml","title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1835-1925"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1835-1925"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"text":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596","Fulkerson Family papers","Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.","Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)","The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) ","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","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0363","/repositories/3/resources/596"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Fulkerson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"geogname_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"creator_ssm":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"creators_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"places_ssim":["Winchester (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns"],"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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 37th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 10th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 23rd","Confederate States of America. Army—Tennessee Infantry Regiment, 63rd","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1884","Virginia Military Institute—Board of Visitors","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862","Port Republic, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Kernstown, Battle of, 1862","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Winchester, 1st Battle of (Virginia : May 25, 1862)","McDowell, Battle of (Virginia : 1862)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.50 cubic feet approximately 50 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1835,1836,1837,1838,1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925],"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\u003eMany items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/field/descri/searchterm/MS%200363/mode/exact\"\u003e available in full-text format\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Many items from this collection, including the Civil War material, are   available in full-text format"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSamuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862) was born in Washington County, Virginia to Colonel Abram Fulkerson, Sr. and Margaret Laughlin Vance on October 21, 1822. As a young man he undertook the study of law, and in late 1846 he obtained his license and opened a practice in southwestern Virginia. He served in the United States Army during the Mexican War (1847-1848), and subsequently returned to  practice of law in Estillville and Abingdon, Virginia. In 1857 he was elected judge of the thirteenth judicial district and held this position until the beginning of the Civil War. He was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors from 1852 to 1854 and from 1857 to 1858. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 37th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of Gaines's Mill, Virginia on June 26, 1862.","Abram Fulkerson, Jr. (1834-1902) was born on May 13, 1834 in Washington County, Virginia and was the younger brother of Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862). He graduated from VMI in 1857, and after a brief career as a teacher, went on to study law. During the Civil War he served as Colonel of the 63rd Tennessee Infantry Regiment and was a prisoner of war (one of the \"Immortal 600\"). After the War he continued the practice law and was active in politics, serving in the Virginia legislature and in the United States          Congress. He 1862 he married Selina Johnson, of Clarksville,  Tennessee, and the couple had nine children, including Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), VMI Class of 1884. Abram Fulkersonm, Jr. died on December 17, 1902 in Bristol, Virginia.","Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926) was born on October 22, 1863 in Abingdon, Virginia to Abram Fulkerson, Jr. and Selina Johnson. He graduated from VMI in 1884 and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia. He was a lawyer (partner in the firm of Fulkerson and Davis in Bristol, Virginia) and served two terms as City Attorney. During the Spanish-American War (1898- 1899) he was a member of the Fourth Tennessee Regiment, United States Volunteers. In 1904 he married Lura Bradley of Sherman, Texas, and the couple had twin sons in April 1906. He died on July 2, 1926 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is buried at East Hill Cemetery, Bristol."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWinchester\u003cbr\u003e\n9 March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour son,\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near New Market\u003cbr\u003e\n3 Apl. 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCapt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026amp; S.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficial Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.\u003cbr\u003e  \n16 May 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026amp; brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026amp; he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026amp; Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026amp; that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026amp; fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026amp; Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026amp; we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026amp; sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026amp; Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District\u003cbr\u003e  \nCamp near Winchester, VA\u003cbr\u003e\n28 May 1862  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026amp; 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026amp; 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026amp; efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026amp; Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026amp; men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nSaml V. Fulkerson\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comd. Brigd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePort Republic, Rockingham Co.\u003cbr\u003e \n8 [June] 1862 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Kate\u003cbr\u003e\nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026amp; elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026amp; Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026amp; c., and a number of small arms.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026amp; burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOur camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026amp; limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026amp; Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026amp; c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026amp; will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026amp; Selina.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour brother\u003cbr\u003e\nS.V. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMr. F.M. Fulkerson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir-\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Sir your obdt. servt\u003cbr\u003e \nT.J. Jackson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute June 4th 1853\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Brother\u003cbr\u003e\nAbram Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApr 14 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThere was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVirginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Fulkerson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCumberland Gap\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOne of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026amp; uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026amp; Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband\u003cbr\u003e\nAF\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eField Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026amp; sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026amp; in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026amp; c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficers Barracks\u003cbr\u003e \nFt. Delaware \u003cbr\u003e\nMay 13, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026amp; clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.\u003cbr\u003e \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Winchester \n9 March 1862","My Dear Mother \nNot having written or heard from home for sometime, I will write you a short letter today. You will see from the heading of this that we have not yet gone to Manassas and I cannot tell when we will go. We will not get away, unless Winchester is evacuated, while the present state of things exists here.","Genl. Banks with his army has been maneuvering about twelve miles in our front for several days. On day before yesterday we thought that we were certainly in for a fight. Banks attacked our outer posts, when we packed our baggage and sent it to the rear, and marched the men on the Martinsburg road about two miles from Winchester, where we drew up and waited for the approach of the enemy. But after skirmishing with our pickets an hour or two, he withdrew again. We lost only one man, but not of my Regt.","We have not a large force here, and I do not know what Genl. Jackson will do if the enemy advances upon us. All of the public stores have been sent away, and many of the citizens have left. There are a good many here who sympathize with the Yankees, and will be rejoiced if they get possession of Winchester. This is such a beautiful country that I should regret to see it fall into the hands of the Yankees.","Since we came back from Romney we have had three different encampments. First on the Romney Road, but when the enemy crossed at Harper's Ferry we moved and took position on that road about three miles from Winchester; and on yesterday we moved to this place, which is on the Strasburg road about three and a half miles from Winchester near a village called Kernstown.","It is doubtful about how much I will write as I have been over six hours in getting this much written. In a letter from Col. Gibson he asked what I wished you and Kate to do in case the enemy got into our county. If they should get in, and you are willing to do so, I think that you had better remain at home. Refugees have a hard time, and when people leave their homes everything is destroyed. Mr. Faulkner (Honl. Charles J.) told me that his wife had saved his property by staying at home. But if it should come to the worst, and you prefer it, leave and let the property go. I care little for the property except on yours and Kate's account. For myself I feel that I have no home so long as it is threatened by the enemy, and I would willingly give up all I have, and commence the world anew without a thing, rather than that the enemy should subjugate us.","We are very hardly pressed now, and it depends upon the spirit of our people whether we bear up against it, or give way under it. When I see so many men and especially officers shirking duty and who seem to make it a study as to the best manner in which they can get around duty, I almost despair. Many are all the time seeking personal ease or pursuing schemes of personal advancement, and would appear to be willing to sacrifice their country to attain their object. I suppose though that all wars produce the same class of selfish men, and that we must expect to be cursed with them. I do not intend to be troubled hereafter with the reflection that I did not do my duty in this conflict.","I did have some hope that I could go home for a short time this winter, but do not now expect to do so. If I had the permission I would not go now, while we are so near the enemy. Besides, so many of the officers are absent that it would be highly improper for any more to leave. In the absence of Col. Taliaferro I still have command of the 4th Brigade, which now only consists of two regiments and four pieces of artillery.","I learn that we have had very high waters in our country and that much damage has been done. I was sorry to hear that Uncle James had lost his dam. I take it that he will not get his mills to running again for some time. If any of the fence about the creek washed away, get Mr. Hughes or some one to help Lee put it up. Today (Sunday) has been a very spring-like one. Citizens say that this has been a very wet winter here and not as much cold as usual, but still the ground has not been clear of snow since the first of Jany. Scarcely any ploughing has been done here yet, and little else in the farming line. See if you can't get meal and flour from Mrs. Hopkins' mill; If not try at some other place. Henry Roberts might furnish you with meal.","I suffered for two or three weeks with a severe cold, but kept up and am now nearly well again. Jas. Vance is well. He spent this Sunday in building a chimney to his tent. He has said several times that he would not fix up any more. He has built a good many chimneys, but had soon to leave them.","Give my love to Kate and Selina. Tell Selina that she ought to write to me. You and Kate must write soon, and tell me where Ike and Abe are. Tell Amelia Vance that I will write to her when I can. I have nothing to write about but army movements, but they will have as much interest to you as anything else.","Your son, \nSaml. V. Fulkerson","Camp Near New Market \n3 Apl. 1862 ","Dear Kate \nA few days ago I wrote you giving some account of our fight near Winchester. Since that time we have been marching up and down the valley, one day falling back before the enemy and the next advancing towards him, skirmishing with him almost daily. He is now in strong force about ten miles off. Genl. Jackson has taken a position here, but whether he will fight at this place or not I am unable to say. If he has sufficient force he would not wait to be attacked.","I have been unable to hear from Jas. Vance, though I have [missing word or words] letter to Judge Parker of Winchester about him. I cannot think that he was mortally wounded, from what the men say who put him in the ambulance. I feel very much for Uncle James and family in their repeated bereavements. I miss Jimmy greatly, and would be greatly pleased to hear that his wound is not dangerous. I have seen a list of the prisoners who were taken to Baltimore but Jimmie's name is not among them. However, I am not surprised at this, as the wounded would not for awhile be removed from Winchester. I may yet get some information from Winchester about him. ","Capt. Cowan (of Russell) died of his wounds. He was a brave man and good officer. James King was as good a soldier as ever entered the line. He went off with Capt. Jones Co., was transferred to Col. Cummings Regt. and then transferred to mine. After the fight was half over, he remarked that \"he was proud of being in the 37th.\" The poor fellow was shot through the head and did not speak afterwards. Leroy Sherman among others was taken prisoner and is in Baltimore. ","The [people along the valley] claim our fight as a victory, but it is not so. We attacked a greatly superior forces and were repulsed with heavy loss. If night had not set in we would all have been captured or killed. The enemy's loss was very heavy, for our men fought with desperate courage. our loss is 469 killed and wounded. The killed wounded and missing amount to 689. This is an uncommonly heavy loss when we did not have over 3000 men in the fight. A loss of 10 per ct. is regarded as great, but ours was but little less than on fourth. My Regt. sustained the greatest loss, the killed and wounded alone being a little less than one fourth, and including the missing is a little less than one third. The northern papers speak of the terrible slaughter on their side in front of the stone fence behind which I had my Brigade. I learn that at this point the 5th Ohio Regt. was nearly [ruined]--they were a part of the rascals who aided in chasing us from Laurel Hill.","The conduct of the late North western army (Loring's) [missing words] the fight, is spoken of by the Genl. in high terms of praise. There is a difficulty with Genl. Garnett who commanded the Stonewall Brigade, but I can't speak of particulars. Genl. Winder is now in command of that Brigade.","Our men are in fine spirits and I think will fight as well now as they did at Winchester, although they feel sad, when they think of the fall of their comrades. Our flagstaff was shot down, but the flag bearer instantly raised it again and kept it floating throughout the fight. The days work hurt my horse worse than anything which he has gone through. He was under the saddle from daylight till 11 at night and was greatly excited. The reports of the guns did not scare him, but the whistling of the balls and particularly the minnie ball excited him to the highest pitch. He has not yet recovered. You will see many exaggerated accounts of the fight in the papers. If we can't get a better and more substantial reputation than a mere newspaper one, I don't want [missing words].\nI told Judge Parker [missing words] stay with you at nights during court. He is a refugee and I want to do all for him that I can. Tell Selina that here she can't write to Abe, she can write to me. Try and get the fence put up in some way. Send the enclosed to Mr. Belkin for Judge Camden. Write soon. Love to Mother \u0026 S. \nYour brother, Saml. V. Fulkerson.","Official Report of the Battle of McDowell, May 8th, 1862","Head Qrs. 37 Regt. VA. Vols. Mason's Cabins, Augusta Co., Va.   \n16 May 1862","Sir- \nIn making my official report of the part borne by my Regt in the battle near McDowell on the 8th inst., I have to say; that when I was ordered to the field, being about one mile distant, I had to pass on a portion of the way, up a very rocky \u0026 brushy hollow, which embarrassed the advance of my men greatly, and it being nothing but a defile, and the men having to advance in a single file, the Regt. necessarily stretched out over a long line. They were also much annoyed on the march after entering the field, by the shell from one of the enemies guns. ","When I reached the line of battle at the head of my Regt. (marching by flank) Brig. Genl. Taliaferro informed me that the enemy were endeavoring to turn our right flank by passing over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va Vols were there to prevent the flank movement \u0026 he ordered me to support the 31st. I at once filed into the woods, but not knowing the position of either the 31st or of the enemy, for they were not at that time firing, I got in between the two, but nearer the enemy. On halting to put my men in line, I found that I had with me only my two front companies, Co. A Capt. Terry \u0026 Co. F. Capt. Graham. In pushing forward up the ravine two companies got ahead of the others, and when the remainder got to the line of battle, I with the two first were in the woods. As soon as I formed the two companies I ordered them to give a shout which they did with a hearty good will, and we charged down the hill directly at the enemy, and when we got within forty or fifty yards of him he broke and fled, when we instantly opened fire upon them as they ran. He did not stop running till he got entirely out of the woods around the hill.","When the remainder of the Regt. reached the line of battle in the field they joined in the fight there, but after awhile Maj. Williams brought a portion of it to me in the woods, not knowing that I might be hard pressed there. But before he reached me the woods were clear of the enemy, and I marched all back to the main fight in the field.","When I got on our line it was nearly dark and we could only see the outline of the enemy on the hill side below us, \u0026 that soon disappeared, when we could only direct our fire by the flash of the enemy's guns. The fight was kept up till 9 at night when the enemy withdrew, leaving us in full possession of the field. During the fight some of my men were out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded. ","I have to report the loss of some good officers and brave men. Capt. Terry, a gallant man and model officer, was severely wounded in the leg. Lieuts. Wilhelm, May, Dye, and Fletcher were badly wounded, and the two latter have since died. These Lieuts were young officers, but they nobly did their duty. All of my officers and men who went upon the field acted in the most gallant manner, and it would be unjust to discriminate by name, except in the case of the wounded.* The loss of my Regt. is thirty nine killed and wounded and one missing, a list of whom I herewith enclose.","I feel indebted to Surgeon Hinkle and Asst. Surgeon Butler for their prompt and untiring attention to the wounded. My Acting Adjt. C.T. Duncan also deserves special mention for the manner in which he discharged his duties upon the field.","I cannot close this report without saying that my chaplain the Revd. A.B. Carrington deserves the highest praise for his conduct during and since the fight. He was struck by a spent ball, and although it made him very sick for awhile, he was and continued to be unremitting in his attention to the wounded.","Respectfully \nSaml. V. Fulkerson Col. 37 Va. Vols \nCapt Wm. B. Pendleton  AAAGenl. 3d Brigade. V.D.","*I am especially indebted to Maj. T.V. Williams for gallantry and good conduct throughout the fight. He was of great benefit in placing the men in their proper positions.","Camp at Mason's Cabins. Augusta Co.  16 May 1862 ","Dear Kate \nIt has been a good while since I wrote and the reason is that I have not had an opportunity of writing, and I feel little like it now. We have been constantly marching, fighting and watching for more than a month, and the consequence is that we are all nearly broken down, with fatigue, loss of sleep and irregularity in eating. But his being the day set apart by the President for humiliation and prayer, Genl. Jackson has ordered his army to observe it, and to abstain from all military duty, and that divine service be had in all of the Regts. But as it is now and has been raining for two days, there will be little chance for preaching out of doors.","I believe that I wrote you from Meecham's River Depot in Albemarle Co. A portion of the Regt. took the cars there for Staunton and the remainder marched on to the side of the Blue Ridge where they went on to the cars and got to Staunton about day, not having eaten anything or slept any since the night before. We stayed at Staunton that {night} and left the next day in this direction. We joined Genl. Johnson's (Alleghany) forces about six miles from Staunton. The enemy had one Regt at the east foot of the Shenandoah mountains near this place. This we came near surprising and taking with four pieces of their cannon. But they escaped, leaving all of their baggage and camp equipage and commissary stores in our hands. They fled cross the mountain to the western foot where they had two other Regts, which became alarmed \u0026 fled leaving everything, and all fell back to McDowell where their main body (Genl. Milroy in command) was stationed.","We then went into camp and on the morning of the 8th we moved towards McDowell. This is a village in Highland county about thirty miles from Staunton and ten from Monterey. Genl Johnson with his brigade was sent forward as the advance and our Brigade (10th, 23rd, and 37th Va. Vols) followed. When within about a mile of McDowell light skirmishing began, which was kept up till evening, we in the mean time having been halted about a mile in the rear. In the evening our advance Brigade and the enemy became engaged in a general fight and we were ordered forward at a double quick. A portion of the way over which we had to go was up a very rocky and brushy hollow, and when we reached our line of battle we were nearly out of breath. All along the way we were exposed to the enemy's file by their shooting at our advance and the balls striking among and around us. The whistling of the bullets excited my horse so much that he became unmanageable and I had to send him to the rear before I got upon the field. When I got on the field I asked the Genl. where my Regt. should be placed, when he said that the enemy were trying to turn our right flank over a brushy and thickly wooded ridge, and that the 31st Va. was there for the purpose of holding them back and that I must support the 31st. I at once double quicked into the woods. When I got there I found that I had but two companies (Capt. Terry's \u0026 Capt. Graham's) in consequence of my having hurried the front up the hollow so fast that they left the remainder behind and out of sight. One of the enemy's cannon was also brought to bear upon the Regt. which also embarrassed the rear. I did not know the position either of the 31st or the enemy in the woods, as they were not firing. The consequence was that I entered the woods between the two, but nearer the enemy. ","I at once formed my two companies, gave them the order to raise a shout, which they did very lustily, and we charged down the hill right at the foe. They stood till we got within forty or fifty yards of them when they broke and fled and we opened fire upon them as they ran. We ran them entirely out of the woods. Our movement was so sudden and unexpected that the enemy seemed to be surprised and much frightened. It seemed like a bold move, but I think it was the best for my men, as I only lost two men wounded (one of them mortally) at this point. The remainder of the Regt. not knowing where I was went into the main fight when they came upon the field, but after a while a portion of them we ordered to join me in the woods which they did, but there being no enemy in the woods at this time I took them all back and entered the fight in the field.","It was nearly dark and we could only see the outlines of the enemy, which was soon lost \u0026 we had to fire by the flash of their guns. The fight lasted till 9 oclk at night, when the enemy withdrew leaving us in possession of the field. The ground selected by the foe was well chosen and particularly advantageous in a night fight. The enemy had been reinforced the day before by Genl Schenck with three or four thousand men, and they fought obstinately. At one time they approached through the bushes to within 20 yards of two of my companies, but were driven back, leaving their flag bearer and flag upon the field. This was an Ohio Rgt. (32nd). I had the wounded flag bearer taken up \u0026 sent back with my wounded, but I believe he died next day. The flag was so torn to pieces that my men took some of it and some other men some. Col. Campbell's Regt. got into the fight about dark and the remainder of his Brigade did not get in at all I believe. The Stonewall Brigade, being several miles off, did not get on the field till after the fight was over.","I lost forty men in killed and wounded. Some of the wounded have since died, and others are dangerous. Three have had their legs amputated. We stayed upon the field nearly all night gathering up and sending off the killed and wounded. The 12th Geo. Regt. suffered most terribly. They were in the advance and ordered to hold a very exposed position. They lost about 180 men killed and wounded. After their ammunition gave out, they lay down and held the place at the point of the bayonet. Many of my men got out of ammunition, but I had them to supply themselves from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and in that way kept them shooting. We had no cannon in the fight. After the dead were collected on the field and laid in rows of then or fifteen, the dim moonlight gave to their countenances an unusual unearthly appearance. Our loss in officers is heavy, and I think that our whole loss is not less than 400. Genl. Johnson was wounded. Col. Gibbons of the 10th was killed. He was one of the best men I ever saw. Maj. Campbell (James C.) was wounded before he got on the field, but I think not dangerously.","I cannot tell what the enemy's loss was. They left some on the field, some in McDowell and scattered along at other places. Immediately after the fight the enemy burned all their baggage and stores at McDowell and retreated. At daylight they had all gone, and we started in pursuit. We followed three days march and came up with their rear at Franklin in Pendleton Co. We skirmished with them over a day, when we were ordered back, I do not know for what cause. It was reported that Genl. Fremont had brought on reinforcements and that a portion of Rosencranz force had joined Milroy. But I do not know that these reasons influenced Genl. Jackson. I do not know where we are going to, but think that we will not go to Staunton.","I received your letter enclosing copies of Abe's \u0026 Arthur's. I am very anxious to hear what Abe's fate has been. Write about him and Ike. Mr. Carrington is going to preach, and I do not feel like writing more. He was struck by a spent ball in the fight, but it only made him sick for awhile. Write soon and direct to Staunton. My love to Mother and Selina. I have heard nothing from J. Vance since I last wrote. \nYour brother Saml. V. Fulkerson","Head Quarters 3 Brigade, Valley District   \nCamp near Winchester, VA \n28 May 1862  ","Sir- \nIn making my report of the part acted by the 3rd Brigade in the battle near Winchester on the 25th inst., I have to say that on the morning of the 24th the Brigade left its bivouac four miles south of Front Royal at daylight and marched to Middletown, and thence down the main valley Pike in the direction of Winchester. Owing to delay occasioned by the enemy's skirmishers embarrassing the advance of the head of the column, daylight cam upon us near Kernstown, after which we quickly advanced to the mills south of Winchester, at which time a vigorous fire was going on between our own and the enemy's batteries.","I was ordered to file my Brigade to the left of the Pike and take position under shelter of a hill for the purpose of supporting one of our batteries. I was also ordered to report to Genl. Winder who was already upon the ground. I placed the 23rd \u0026 37th Va. Vols in the position indicated, when Genl Winder ordered me to occupy a wooded hill in an adjoining field, with one Regt, which position he informed me, the enemy were on the move to occupy. I at once ordered Col. Warren with the 10th Va Vols to take position on the hill which he quickly did. In a short time Genl. Winder ordered me to place another Regt. on the hill with the 10th, when I ordered Maj. Williams to march the 37th there which he did with dispatch. ","During all of the time of these movements, and in fact from the time when the Brigade first entered the field, it was exposed to a severe fire from the enemy's batteries and long range small arms. After these movements had been executed Col. Taliaferro was ordered to move the 23rd forward and charge a battery of the enemy in his front. He pushed forward with his Regt. in gallant style. But in the meantime Genl. Taylor's Louisiana Brigade had come upon the field, formed and moved in the direction of the enemy, coming up upon the left of Col. Taliaferro.  The 37th \u0026 10th followed immediately after Genl. Taylor's Brigade. On rushing the top of the ridge on which the enemy's batteries had been placed, a sharp musketry fire ensued, but soon a general charge was made by our whole line when the enemy gave way and fled precipitately through Winchester in the wildest confusion. We followed in immediate pursuit on the Martinsburg road, for four miles from Winchester, where we were halted. A list of the casualties is herewith furnished, from which it will be seen that the loss of the Brigade is, comparatively, very light.","Col. Taliaferro commanding the 23rd, Col Warren commanding the 10th and Maj. Williams commanding the 37th acted in the most gallant \u0026 efficient manner. I refer to the reports of Col. Taliaferro, Col. Warren, \u0026 Maj. Williams for the conduct of the officers \u0026 men of their respective Regts. I with pride bear testimony to the gallant conduct of the whole Brigade both officers and men.","I am indebted to Capt. Wm. B. Pendleton A.A.A. Genl. for his gallant conduct and prompt and cheerful manner with which he executed my orders. Capt Wooding's battery was not placed in position during the day. Respectfully \nSaml V. Fulkerson \nCol. Comd. Brigd.","Port Republic, Rockingham Co.  \n8 [June] 1862 ","Dear Kate \nThe place at which this letter is written is a pretty village near the foot of the Blue Ridge and about twelve miles from Harrisonburg, at the junction of the North and South Rivers, which form the Shenandoah.","I wrote you last from Winchester shortly after our arrival there, giving you an account of our march and proceedings up to that time. Since then we have undergone and almost incredible amount of hardship. We stayed at Winchester two days after taking the place and then proceeded to Charles Town and Harper's Ferry. We found a few of the enemy at Charles Town, but soon drove them down to the Ferry, where they made a stand having been largely re-enforced from Washington \u0026 elsewhere. The enemy were in position on Bolivar Heights on the Va. side and on the heights on the Maryland side of the river. Both of these positions had been fortified by Genl. Johnston last summer.","A portion of our forces crossed the Shenandoah river and took possession of Louden Heights. This was in the evening, a brisk cannonading going on, which was renewed the next morning, and continued till the enemy was driven from the Bolivar across the Potomac. About this time Genl. Jackson received information that Genl. Shields was crossing the Blue Ridge and Genl. Fremont was coming from Moorfield to form a junction at Strasburg and thus cut us off. This placed us in the hardest place that we have ever yet been. Genl. Jackson immediately ordered us to march back. We had about fifty miles to make to pass Strasburg, and our men were already terribly broken down by continued and hard marching. We marched to our camps near Winchester that night and next morning at day light started to Strasburg, which we reached before night. We had now marched about 70 miles in less than three days, in going to and returning from Harpers Ferry.","Gen. Shields was now at [Front] Port Royal, some 8 or 9 miles from Strasburg, and Genl. Fremont was 7 miles from Strasburg on the Moorefield road. So you see that we had only a gap of about 15 miles wide to get out at. During Saturday night I received an order from Genl. Jackson (I was still in command of our Brigade) to proceed next morning (Sunday) at daylight, some two or three miles on the Moorefield road, take position and resist the advance of the enemy. Before I could get a position, our scouts informed me that the enemy was advancing, when I hurried forward to a suitable position, and made disposition of my own and two other Brigades which were for the time under my command.","I sent forward a company of cavalry, which soon returned at the top of their speed with the enemy's cavalry close after them. We drove these back, but in a very short time the enemy's infantry came down the road and through the woods at double quick, and when they got within range halted and opened a brisk fire upon us, which was kept up for some time when they were driven back again. By this time Gen. Ewell came upon the field and assumed command of the whole. After the enemy's infantry were driven back, they placed two pieces of cannon in position and the two forces kept up a very pretty and brisk artillery duel for an hour or more, when the enemy withdrew from the field. After this Genl Jackson came out and said that he did not want to bring on a general engagement then, and ordered us to fall back towards Strasburg. I do not think that we had more than 10 or 15 men killed and wounded. My Regt. had none hurt.","[At this point, according to the sentence below, the date is now June 10th]\nA little after dark we left Strasburg for Woodstock to which place the waggon had been sent, and we had a terrible march. (This writing above was suddenly stopped about 8 oclk on Sunday morning last by the enemies cannon, and I will now try to finish on this the 10th). We got to Woodstock about daylight, all broken completely down and seemingly half dead. We were dogged all night by the enemy's cavalry, and I know that they picked up many of our broken down stragglers. I have between thirty and forty men missing, most I fear were taken. It is not to be wondered at. Many of the poor fellows actually walked much of that weary night, fast asleep, so worn out and exhausted were they with their terrible duty. I do not think that our Genl. exercised due diligence in getting his captured stores to a secure place. There was a vast amount of them, the greater portion of which he saved. But Genl. Shields made his appearance so suddenly at Front Royal that a portion of the stores captured there were retaken together with some of our wagons.","We marched from Woodstock to near Harrisonburg, and the next day to near Port Republic, which place we reached on Saturday evening. I thought the next day, being Sunday, that we would rest, and I began to write this letter, when I was stopped by the roar of cannon down at the town. The town is located in the fork of the two rivers, the north and larger branch being bridged, the other not. The enemy's cavalry had dashed into town, with two pieces of artillery, one of which they planted at the end of the bridge, and with a third they began a fire from the opposite side of the river. Genl Jackson was in town and was taken completely by surprise and came near being captured. ","We were camped about three quarters of a mile from town on the north side of the river. The enemy (Genl Shields force) had come up the river on the south side from Elk Run. In a very short time we were ordered to double quick to the bridge. My Regt. was just in the act of forming for inspection, and we got the start of the others. We passed through a wheat field with the enemy's gun from the other side of the river playing upon us. When we got to the top of the hill near the bridge the gun at the other end opened with grape upon us. My men returned the fire, when Genl. Jackson ordered me to charge through the bridge and take the gun. I led off and my men followed. We rushed through the bridge, captured the gun, and pursued the enemy through the town and until he crossed the south branch. I could have captured the other cannon in town, but I did not know of but one ford. We rushed to that, but found the enemy crossing higher up. We opened fire on them, killing some horses and two or three men and taking six or eight prisoners.","Charging in at one end of a bridge with a cannon yawning in at the other is no very pleasant past time. But my men went in so well, that it elicited the praise of the Genl. and all who witnessed it. When we got to the cannon, the smoke of the last fire was still issuing from its mouth. We charged them so quickly and so vigorously that my loss was little. Yancey Smith (brother of the Capt) of Russell was killed, and Sergt. E. Johnson and Walter James of Capt. Terry's company each had a thigh badly broken. I fear that Johnson is mortally wounded. We had put some of our artillery in position, which soon silenced the enemy's guns on the opposite side of the river, and drove them back, and they did not again advance on that day.","While this was going on, Genl. Fremont made an attack on our forces next to Harrisonburg. Our Brigade was ordered to hold the bridge and town against Genl. Shields, which we did, but could hear the fight on the other side, which lasted till nearly night with heavy loss on both sides. Our loss in officers was considerable. Genls Elzey \u0026 Stewart were wounded, though I think not dangerously. Our men drove the enemy back about a mile and held possession of the field during the night, having captured more than 100 prisoners.","On our march the day before from Harrisonburg, Fremont pressed our rear very hardly, and our protection subjected us to the heaviest and saddest loss that we have sustained in the valley. Ashby (but a short time a Brigadier) was killed. He had just made a brilliant charge on the enemy, capturing a Col, Maj., and a number of prisoners. Afterwards and about dark he was leading on foot (his horse having been killed), on Infantry Regt. when he was shot through the heart, and the saddest part of it is, that it is generally believed that he was shot by our own men. He was the most gallant man I ever saw, and withal a good man. When Ashby was between us and the enemy we felt perfectly secure against any surprise, and he was always on the enemy's heels. They had great fear of him. He kept them in constant dread. His place cannot be filled, and his death cast a gloom over the whole army. He had performed more feats of daring and had done more hard and perilous service than any man in the army.","As I have placed Sundays proceedings before Saturday, I will now pass over to Monday. During Sunday our train had been sent on the road towards Waynesboro in Augusta Co. But on Sunday night Genl. Jackson threw a foot bridge across the north branch, ordered his train to turn back and take the road through Brown's Gap into Albemarle, and by a little after sun rise he had the greater portion of his army across the foot bridge and marching against Genl. Shields force, which camped the night before in sight of us about three miles off. Our Brigade and Genl. Trimble's were ordered to hold the large bridge and to resist the advance of Fremont. Our force and Shield's soon became hotly engaged, and the fight became a very hard one. Our men were being severely pressed and suffering a great loss, when Genl Jackson galloped back and ordered me to move forward my Regt at double quick, which I did. He also had the other two Regt of the Brigade ordered forward. ","When I got upon the field, and was putting my men in position for action, the enemy gave way and we rushed forward, passing his battery which he abandoned, having first killed all the horses. In coming up we received a sharp fire. The enemy rallied and partially formed, but we kept on and they gave way again, and commenced a general run, and scatterment. My Regt happened to get in advance, and hounds never pursued a fox with more eagerness than they pursued the flying yankees. Some kept the road and some took the bushes, all intent on capturing a yankee. We captured about 400 prisoners most of whom were taken by my men, among them a number of officers from Col down. We also captured two Regimental flags, all of the enemies artillery (seven or eight guns), all of his ambulances \u0026 c., and a number of small arms.","The Infantry followed about six miles, and the cavalry having come up followed about six further. My men performed many individual acts of bravery one of which I notice, and you may send it to the Abingdon paper for publication. The rout was complete and entire. The prisoners say that Genl. Shields was not present, but that Genl Tyler was in command. We captured a number of our old acquaintances, the 5th Ohio, and our boys were glad to meet with them. After our Brigade crossed the north branch, Genl. Trimble crossed the large bridge and then set fire to it \u0026 burned it down. In a short time Genl. Fremont appeared at the burnt bridge, but could do nothing but listen to the fight and pursuit. On our return from the pursuit we quietly passed within plain view of Genl Fremont's camp, and marched to this place on the Blue Ridge, where we are staying today.","Our camp extends back to within four or five miles of Port Republic. Men were worse mangled in this fight than any that I have been in. Heads \u0026 limbs off and bodies torn open were frequent sights for several miles. ","On Sunday night Capt. Jno. Preston \u0026 Lieut. Jno Humes with fifty men were sent out on picket and were left out when we went into the fight on Monday. After Fremont made his appearance I sent back my Regt to bring in the picket, but he thought that he could not get to them, and come back about midnight last night. I have heard nothing from them since, but think and hope that they have gone to Staunton or Waynesboro, about 18 miles off. I am not in the habit of gathering spoils on the field, but one of me brought me a Col's horse, saddle, bridle \u0026 c. Another gave me a very pretty sword. The horse belonged to Col. Lewis of Pa. He has been a fine horse, but is getting old and is not a good riding horse. I also got the Col's Regimental flag.","You will see from this narrative that we have had a very active and exciting time. We have fought on three Sundays in succession, which will do pretty well for a religious Genl. I got Selina's letter the other day \u0026 will write her when I can. Write soon to Staunton. Don't know when we will go next. Love to Mother \u0026 Selina. \nYour brother \nS.V. Fulkerson ","Mr. F.M. Fulkerson ","Sir- \nIn reply to your letter of the 7th ult. permit me to say that Col. S.V. Fulkerson was an officer of distinguished worth. I deeply felt his death. He rendered valuable service to his country, and had he lived, would probably have been recommended by me before this time for a brigadier generalcy. So far as my knowledge extends, he enjoyed the confidence of his regiment and all who knew him.","I am Sir your obdt. servt  \nT.J. Jackson","V.M. Institute June 4th 1853","Dear Sister, \nI recd your letter the 28th of May. I was very glad to hear that were so well pleased with your school. I suppose that you will come home before you teach another session if you do so at all, Father wrote to me the other day for the first time, they are all well at home Father has sold his mare and bought a buggy, I suppose that he will quit riding horse back and splurge in his buggy for a while, your old Mister Brown was kicked by a horse the other day and broke his leg, his family had bad luck lately.","We will have a great ball on the if nothing happens they are prepareing tolerably rapidly now, the tickets came yesterday. I sent you one of them, I know you will be certain to come or else I would not send it to you","The examination will commence the 20th of June, Sam is on the Board again they meet about the 15th, I have some faint hopes of passing, but it is verry doubtful  I tell you, you must write to me oftener","Your affectionate Brother \nAbram Fulkerson","Virginia Military Institute \nApr 14 1854","Dear Mother \nI recd your letter a few days ago or weeks I am not certain which but however I have not had time to answer it until to day.","I have nothing very new or of much importance to write to you. Circuit court is going on at present in Lexington They are trying Christian the man that killed Cadet Blackburn  there has been a great deal of excitement with the people since it commenced  there is a great many of C. friends attending the trial. I suppose from all accounts that he will be hung","There was another murder committed in town a few weeks ago almost as bad as B's, a man by the name of Winn killed the proprietor of the Washington Hotel, his name was Moore they had a falling out the day he was killed some five or six hours before the fight occurred.  Winn went to his (Moore's) house that night about ten o'clock and called him out into the street + stabbed him through the heart with a knife the knife cut his heart very near into two pieces. He died in a few minutes afterwards. There is two other men in jail for shooting men besides all of this there was a negro hung in Lexington a few weeks ago for the same offence, but it did not appear to have much affect. It seems like Lexington is going to turn out to be one of the most corrupt and immoral places in the State of Virginia.","Virginia wrote to me a few days ago. Sister Alice and the children are all well.  Virginia say she likes her new home very well considering the short time that she has been there.  She did not say whether she was going to school any more at Rogersville or not.","I wrote to Sam sometime ago to know whether I had better go home this summer or put it off until next. He says he thinks I had better stay another year before I go home and indeed I thought so myself  was the reason I wrote to him about it. Therefore I will not have the opportunity of coming home til next July year. I would be very glad if I could come next year but taking every thing into consideration I think it will be best to stay here another year.","I heard from Catherine lately. She is getting along about as common I believe I understand that Frank is going to marry before long. But I do not know whether it is true or not. Dr. Walker's son was here the other day on his way home from Philadelphia. He has been taking medical lessons there, I had a long talk with him.  e stayed in town one day and night. I must bring my letter to a close as I have nothing more to write, tell Balf and Jim to write to me.","Your affectionate Son, \nA. Fulkerson","Cumberland Gap \nMay 18, 1863\n \nMy dear wife- \nYour last kind letter was recd by friday's mail. Your dear letters are my greatest pleasure and do away in a great measure with the horror of separation. The frequency with which we can communicate with each other is a rich blessing and brings us as if we're almost together.","One of our pickets came in the other day and reported that a Mr. Davis was at the lines and desired to enter. This report took me very much by surprise, for although you had mentioned the probability of his coming yet I did not look for him. He only stayed a few hours. After dinner (a very poor one without apology to him) I went [around] to show him some of the curiosities of Cumberland Gap, which he seemed to think would compensate any one for making the visit. He went back up the valley and expected to get home by Wednesday next. Will see you Sunday, if not sooner.","The intelligence of the death of Gen. Jackson came upon us like a shock. We feel that his death is a national calamity. The poorest soldiers among us appreciated his worth - loved the man, and mourn his loss. I knew him well.1  He was my preceptor for more than four years and whilst during that time I did not appreciate the man, as school [schoolboys?]are not like to do, yet I always had great reverence for the man on account of his piety \u0026 uprightness of character. Among the many heroes of this revolution, none have lived so much adored, none have died so much deplored, and none have left a character as spotless as that of Stonewall Jackson. Could his life have been spared till the close of this cruel war, the unanimous voice of a grateful people would have proclaimed him chief ruler of the nation. But God has seen proper to take him from us, and what He does is right and for the best. It is [illegible] therefore that we make the sacrifice cheerfully, th'o we cannot see why our country should be deprived of his services at his her hour of greatest need.","I have no news of importance more than you will see in the papers. The news from Ky is vague and unreliable. It is reported and believed that there are three or four Regmts at Barboursville, 30 miles distant. That Burnsides is preparing to invade E. Tenn. on a large scale there seems no longer to be any doubt. A southern woman the wife of a Lincolnite told Mrs. Patterson today that a runner had just come across the mountain to tell the Union people, they must stay at home, that the Feds would be in, in about three weeks, that where they were found absent it would be an evidence of disloyalty. I will not be surprised if they make an effort about that time.","Mr. Patterson started to the R.R. today - is going to the salt works. I asked him to stop and see you all, but he would not promise. No prospect of any goods yet. Do you want any money? When you need money or any thing else you must not fail to let me know. My love to mother \u0026 Kate. Write often,\nYour affectionate husband \nAF","Field Officers Barracks, Ft. Delaware May 7 1865 ","My dear wife","I have not heard directly from you since the 4th of Feb. Your letter was directed to Ft. Pulaski. I received on my way here at Hilton Head S.C. Since that time we have passed through the most eventful period of the war. The closing scenes are being enacted, and with hearts overwhelmed with grief \u0026 sadness we bow in deep humiliation in their contemplation. The present, thank God, is only the \"beginning of the end.\" The military power of the South is broken, the spirit is not. The ball has been put in motion by the people of the South, an impetus has been given it, which will eventually result in the destruction of the U.S. Government and if not in the independence of the South, certainly in the disenthrallment of her people. Ten years will see us under the protecting wing of a foreign power, or independent.","I expect to meet you soon, not crowned with the laurels of victory but with the oath crammed down my throat, a quiescent citizen of the United States. I have the sweet consolation of being conscious of having served the cause faithfully. I sacrificed everything but life, and hazarded that, many times \u0026 in many ways, in behalf of my country. I have not the slightest fear that any man can ever point at me the finger of scorn and say \"you done it.\" I have performed my duty and now abandon the cause as (at present) hopeless, without in the least having changed my opinion as to the justness of that cause. I go now to share with the people of the south the deep humiliation which will be dictated by yankee vindictiveness.","I have heard from you thr'o your father up to March 1st. Receive letters from him often. Says he will send you money \u0026 c thr'o Mr. Armstrong. Hope you may have no difficulty in getting along. I cannot tell when I will be released, but probably soon. My love to Kate. Tell the boy, I'll be home soon. Your affect. husband. A. Fulkerson P.W.","Officers Barracks  \nFt. Delaware  \nMay 13, 1865 ","My dear wife- \nYour esteemed letter of the 17th April, via Knoxville reached me a few days since. I cannot express my gratification at learning that you were all well, and living. The terrible events which have transpired in the Confederacy within the past two months, and my great anxiety about you, taken together, had rendered me very unhappy, indeed wretched.","The last letter but one from you was dated 4th Feb and recd at Hilton Head S.C. the day after our departure from Ft. Pulaski. I have written you several times since my arrival here, via Richmond. About a week ago I sent you a letter to the care of Mr. Armstrong, but as I was in a very unhappy humor about them \"Cause\" it is probable that much that I said was too harsh and \"contraband\" and caused the\"confiscation\" of the letter. ","We left Ft. Pulaski on the 4th March, ordered by Genrl. Grant to be exchanged. When we reached Old Point active operations had commenced on the James, were sent here. The result of the campaign was disastrous to our aims. It has ended our hopes for exchange, if not for liberty itself. I cannot talk about our misfortunes in a letter, but must wait till I see you. It seems at present, that the only means of getting out of prison, is by taking the oath. It is probable therefore I will return to you soon, not crowned with victorious laurels, but as a loyal subject (overpowered) of the U.S. I do not know whether you would recognize me as a citizen or not, perhaps you may, if necessity forces it upon me.","I hear from your father often. He wrote me he was making arrangements to send you money \u0026 clothing th'ro Mr. Armstrong. I hope it will not be inconvenient for Kate to keep you with her til I am released. My health is now very good. Your affectionate husband. A. Fulkerson.  \nLove to Mrs. H and the boy (as you may not receive this for months, I will say our boy)"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Fulkerson Family papers, 1835-1925. MS 0363. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCivil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSamuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattles of Port Republic and Kernstown\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath of Turner Ashby\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefugee and civilian life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamp life\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReferences to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a recent trip and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAppointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLetter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection consists of related to three members of the Fulkerson family: Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1822-1862), his brother Abram Fulkerson, Jr.          (1834-1902), and Abram's son, Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926). Significant items include:\n Civil War correspondence (dated March-May 1862) written by Samuel V. Fulkerson (1822-1862) Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) reports of the Battle of McDowell and the Battle of Winchester (dated May and June 1862) Wartime correspondence (dated 1863 and 1865) written by Abram Fulkerson, Jr. Two letters were written while he was a prisoner of war. A letter of appreciation (dated September 1862) written by General Stonewall Jackson following Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862) death in battle \nIn addition to the battles mentioned above, topics include:\n Battles of Port Republic and Kernstown Death of Turner Ashby Refugee and civilian life Camp life References to Stonewall Jackson, including Samuel V. Fulkerson's (1822-1862 assessment of his character and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s reflections following the Jackson's death \nAlso included are biographical and genealogical material, business and financial papers of Samuel Vance Fulkerson (1863-1926), and family correspondence.","Written from Estillville, Scott County, Virginia. Topics include family news and talks of Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s first days at VMI and encourages him to study, stating \"you now have a chance of getting a better education and of\ndoing more for yourself than any of your brothers have ever had an opportunity of getting or doing for themselves, and if you do not turn you chance to good advantage it will be your own fault.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Topics include Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s progress at VMI and family news.","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI examinations and grades. Samuel V. Fulkerson warns Abram Fulkerson, Jr. about the excessive number of demerits and cautions about leaving school, stating \"I do not like to hear you expressing a desire to resign. You know that a great part of your expense is paid by the state, and that you have undertaken to teach two years in the state as a sort of recompense. You will not forget this obligation.\"","Written from Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. Letter regards VMI finances and Abram Fulkerson, Jr.'s \"unkind conduct.\"","Letter regards a recent trip and family news.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards Civil War news and concerns for family.","Written from camp near New Market, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Kernstown, Virginia.","Report after the Battle of McDowell, Virginia. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and a recent battle.","Report written to Major R. L. Dabney. The report discusses the participation of 37th Virginia Regiment in the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Typescript copy. The letter discusses the character of General Stonewall Jackson and the events at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia.","In the letter, Stonewall Jackson extends condolences after the death of Samuel V. Fulkerson.","Appointment to the VMI Board of Visitors (1853) and to judgeship (1857).","This series includes letters two letters and one letter fragment written while Abram Fulkerson, Jr. was a cadet at VMI and three letters written during his Civil War service.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news, the military ball, and exams. The letter includes an invitation to the military ball.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family news and the trial of Charles Christian for the murder of Cadet Thomas Blackburn.","Written from Cumberland Gap. Letter regards the death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and defeat of the South.","Written from Fort Delaware Prison. Letter regards end of the Civil War and being exchanged.","This series contains financial and business papers, and genealogical information.","This series consists of three items of correspondence, including:\n Letter from Margaret Fulkerson (Vance) to Mrs. Jane Preston (dated October 24, 1835) Letter from J. S. Bradley to his cousin Harriet Fulkerson (dated July 24, 1847) Letter from Dolly Bradley to Harriet Fulkerson (dated February 27, 1848) "],"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_037e0e501ef493707a01e4a9bf4b0596\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862"],"persname_ssim":["Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1822-1862","Fulkerson, Samuel V. (Samuel Vance), 1863-1926","Fulkerson, Abram, Jr., 1834-1902","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Ashby, Turner, 1828-1862","Williams, Titus V. (Titus Vespasian), 1835-1908","Blackburn, Thomas, 1834-1854"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":25,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:02.253Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_596"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Henry H. Dedrick collection","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_412.xml","title_ssm":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"title_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412"],"text":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412","Henry H. Dedrick collection","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Henry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n Present November 1861 to April 1862 Reenlisted on May 1, 1862 Wounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862 Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863 Fined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863 Present from July 3 through 27, 1863 AWOL from July 27 through October, 1863 Deserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863 \nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery.","Dear Wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.","I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.","Dear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.","September the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more","Dear wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].","Bridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.","We left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.","They had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.","That is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me","Henry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife","Hiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him","Direct your letter the same way you did before","Dear Wife- \nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with …. \n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]","Letter of Hiram Coyner \nOctober the 20 1861","Dear brother and sister- \nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death","Hiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me","Lissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026 oblige Hiram Coyner","Dear Wife- \nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.","We have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.","I wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.","[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry \nNov. [?] 1861 \nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.","Dear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.","Dear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Dear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.","Dear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.","I saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.","Tell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.","Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.","We have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Hiram Coyner \u0026 Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.","Jan 12. \nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.","It is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death \nHenry H. Dedrick","To his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon","I received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.","Dear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.","Dear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.","I am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.","Dear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.","Well, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband. \nM. E. A. Dedrick","Dear Henry: \nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.","You wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.","Aunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick","P.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]","My Dear Wife- \nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.","I have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.","Dear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.","William Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.","Dear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.","Henry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","My Dear Wife- \nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.","I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.","Dear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.","I must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.","My Dear Wife- \nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.","Uncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.","I would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.","Dear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.","Lissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.","Uncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.","H. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","April the 15th 1862 \nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.","Tears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.","I got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.","I was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.","Tears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.","We are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.","Last Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.","The 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.","I have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.","Dear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.","Josiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.","Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia \nJuly 5th, 1862","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].","...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.","I must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.","Spotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing. \nMay 10th 1863","Dear Father- \nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.","You said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.","You said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.","If we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.","Joshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.","May 11th 1863 \nDear Wife- \nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.","May the 25 1863 \nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.","I seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.","We get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.","Tell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.","We have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.","We left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.","The same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.","I have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.","They have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to... \n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]","Dear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.","My dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.","We took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.","I saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.","Wheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.","I have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.","Give my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.","Dear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.","Dear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.","Dear Lissa \nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...","Dear Lissa- \nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.","Here is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first...","This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.","Letter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Letter regards family and general news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.","Written from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.","Written from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Also included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.","Written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.","Written near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.","Letter fragment regards War news.","Letter fragment regards family news.","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","Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"collection_ssim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creator_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creators_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"places_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. 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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet 32 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet 32 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[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"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresent November 1861 to April 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReenlisted on May 1, 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbsent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresent from July 3 through 27, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAWOL from July 27 through October, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n Present November 1861 to April 1862 Reenlisted on May 1, 1862 Wounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862 Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863 Fined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863 Present from July 3 through 27, 1863 AWOL from July 27 through October, 1863 Deserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863 \nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSeptember the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThat is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDirect your letter the same way you did before\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with ….\u003cbr\u003e\n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLetter of Hiram Coyner\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober the 20 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear brother and sister-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026amp; oblige Hiram Coyner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. [?] 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner \u0026amp; Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJan 12.\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death\u003cbr\u003e\nHenry H. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWell, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband.\u003cbr\u003e\nM. E. A. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Henry:\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWilliam Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eH. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApril the 15th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJosiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 5th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 10th 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJoshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 11th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMay the 25 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to...\u003cbr\u003e\n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa\u003cbr\u003e\nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa-\u003cbr\u003e\nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHere is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first...\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Dear Wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.","I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.","Dear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.","September the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more","Dear wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].","Bridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.","We left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.","They had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.","That is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me","Henry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife","Hiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him","Direct your letter the same way you did before","Dear Wife- \nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with …. \n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]","Letter of Hiram Coyner \nOctober the 20 1861","Dear brother and sister- \nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death","Hiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me","Lissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026 oblige Hiram Coyner","Dear Wife- \nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.","We have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.","I wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.","[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry \nNov. [?] 1861 \nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.","Dear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.","Dear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Dear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.","Dear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.","I saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.","Tell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.","Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.","We have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Hiram Coyner \u0026 Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.","Jan 12. \nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.","It is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death \nHenry H. Dedrick","To his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon","I received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.","Dear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.","Dear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.","I am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.","Dear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.","Well, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband. \nM. E. A. Dedrick","Dear Henry: \nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.","You wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.","Aunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick","P.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]","My Dear Wife- \nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.","I have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.","Dear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.","William Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.","Dear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.","Henry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","My Dear Wife- \nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.","I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.","Dear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.","I must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.","My Dear Wife- \nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.","Uncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.","I would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.","Dear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.","Lissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.","Uncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.","H. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","April the 15th 1862 \nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.","Tears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.","I got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.","I was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.","Tears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.","We are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.","Last Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.","The 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.","I have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.","Dear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.","Josiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.","Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia \nJuly 5th, 1862","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].","...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.","I must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.","Spotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing. \nMay 10th 1863","Dear Father- \nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.","You said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.","You said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.","If we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.","Joshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.","May 11th 1863 \nDear Wife- \nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.","May the 25 1863 \nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.","I seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.","We get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.","Tell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.","We have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.","We left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.","The same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.","I have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.","They have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to... \n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]","Dear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.","My dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.","We took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.","I saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.","Wheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.","I have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.","Give my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.","Dear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.","Dear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.","Dear Lissa \nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...","Dear Lissa- \nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.","Here is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first..."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards family news.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.","Letter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Letter regards family and general news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.","Written from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.","Written from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Also included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.","Written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.","Written near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.","Letter fragment regards War news.","Letter fragment regards family news."],"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_85d8413bd7d4fcdfd4be6d176b2b8823\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":21,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:56.008Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_412.xml","title_ssm":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"title_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412"],"text":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412","Henry H. Dedrick collection","Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Henry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n Present November 1861 to April 1862 Reenlisted on May 1, 1862 Wounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862 Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863 Fined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863 Present from July 3 through 27, 1863 AWOL from July 27 through October, 1863 Deserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863 \nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery.","Dear Wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.","I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.","Dear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.","September the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more","Dear wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].","Bridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.","We left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.","They had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.","That is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me","Henry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife","Hiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him","Direct your letter the same way you did before","Dear Wife- \nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with …. \n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]","Letter of Hiram Coyner \nOctober the 20 1861","Dear brother and sister- \nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death","Hiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me","Lissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026 oblige Hiram Coyner","Dear Wife- \nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.","We have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.","I wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.","[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry \nNov. [?] 1861 \nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.","Dear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.","Dear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Dear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.","Dear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.","I saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.","Tell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.","Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.","We have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Hiram Coyner \u0026 Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.","Jan 12. \nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.","It is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death \nHenry H. Dedrick","To his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon","I received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.","Dear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.","Dear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.","I am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.","Dear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.","Well, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband. \nM. E. A. Dedrick","Dear Henry: \nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.","You wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.","Aunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick","P.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]","My Dear Wife- \nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.","I have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.","Dear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.","William Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.","Dear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.","Henry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","My Dear Wife- \nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.","I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.","Dear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.","I must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.","My Dear Wife- \nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.","Uncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.","I would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.","Dear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.","Lissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.","Uncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.","H. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","April the 15th 1862 \nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.","Tears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.","I got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.","I was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.","Tears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.","We are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.","Last Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.","The 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.","I have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.","Dear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.","Josiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.","Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia \nJuly 5th, 1862","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].","...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.","I must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.","Spotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing. \nMay 10th 1863","Dear Father- \nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.","You said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.","You said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.","If we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.","Joshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.","May 11th 1863 \nDear Wife- \nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.","May the 25 1863 \nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.","I seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.","We get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.","Tell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.","We have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.","We left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.","The same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.","I have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.","They have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to... \n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]","Dear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.","My dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.","We took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.","I saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.","Wheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.","I have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.","Give my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.","Dear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.","Dear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.","Dear Lissa \nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...","Dear Lissa- \nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.","Here is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first...","This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.","Letter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Letter regards family and general news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.","Written from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.","Written from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Also included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.","Written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.","Written near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.","Letter fragment regards War news.","Letter fragment regards family news.","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","Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0332","/repositories/3/resources/412"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"collection_ssim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creator_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"creators_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925"],"places_ssim":["Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. 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":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 52nd","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Women","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet 32 items"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet 32 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[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"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresent November 1861 to April 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReenlisted on May 1, 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbsent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePresent from July 3 through 27, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAWOL from July 27 through October, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia.\nThe following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:\n Present November 1861 to April 1862 Reenlisted on May 1, 1862 Wounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862 Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863 Fined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863 Present from July 3 through 27, 1863 AWOL from July 27 through October, 1863 Deserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863 \nAfter the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSeptember the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThat is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDirect your letter the same way you did before\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with ….\u003cbr\u003e\n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLetter of Hiram Coyner\u003cbr\u003e\nOctober the 20 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear brother and sister-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026amp; oblige Hiram Coyner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. [?] 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHiram Coyner \u0026amp; Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJan 12.\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death\u003cbr\u003e\nHenry H. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWell, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband.\u003cbr\u003e\nM. E. A. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Henry:\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWilliam Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eH. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApril the 15th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLast Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJosiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 5th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing.\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 10th 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJoshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 11th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMay the 25 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThey have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to...\u003cbr\u003e\n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife-\u003cbr\u003e\nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa\u003cbr\u003e\nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Lissa-\u003cbr\u003e\nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHere is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first...\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Dear Wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present and I am getting as fat! as a pig. I have had my health better since I have been here than I have had since I have been in camp and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willa in the same state of health and all the rest of you.","I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of Sep. And Dear Lissa you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We have had a big rain here, it fell on the 27. I tell you that we had a terrible time of it, the water was very high. We had to move in a hurry, we had to wade through water over knee deep and we had to carry all of our things out about one hundred and fifty yards out on a hill and when we got all of the things carried out it was dark and then we had our tents to put up after dark. I tell you we had a wet time of it.","Dear Lissa you wanted to know what we had to eat. We have plenty of good beef and some bacon and flour, sugar and coffee and rice. We have plenty to eat we get some butter at times as we can get it, and as to the sleeping part some times we have a very good place to sleep and some times we haft to sleep on the ground wet or dry.","September the 30th. Dear Wife-- while I have a little more time I will write a few more lines to you to let you know that we haft to march to the top of Alleghany Mountain. We will go to [Heyners] tonight. I make so many mistakes you must excuse me for I am so much bothered I can't write. Dear Lissa I thought I would not send this I made so many mistakes in it, and then I thought that I send it any how, I will save writing by it. I thought I would wait a few days after I write this before I would write any more","Dear wife- \nIt is with pleasure that I take this morning to inform you than I am well at present and I thank god that he has spared me to write to you once more to let you know how I am and how I am getting along. I have been getting along very well so far and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying the same blessing of health, and I hope that all of my friends is well, also [Anna].","Bridge is not well, he has not been well for two weeks, and Ephriam Sillings has not been well for about three weeks. They both had the yellow jaundice. William Offlighter has had the [ ] but he is well at this time. Me and him is on guard today. A.R. Sillings his throat is right sore this morning, he didn't eat any breakfast; Hiram Coyner is well and hearty, and all the rest of the back creek boys is well; Billy Grass is well, he is put in as a blacksmith and when we move he drives a sick wagon.","We left Strait creek last Monday. I received your most affectionate letter on the 27 of September and you don't know how glad I was to hear from you all and that you all was well. We are at this time on the top of alleghany mountain, we got here on the 2nd of this month. The next morning when I got up it was raining and it rained all that day. The next morning it was very foggy we was late in the morning. About half past eight I was washing the dishes and I heard the cannons one after another pop pop pop, and in that time I had to drop every thing and run and get my gun and we all fell in a line of battle ready to march to Greenbrier river. But we didn't get any word until after twelve o'clock and we marched four miles down the mountain and then we got word to stay there until we heard the report of the cannon and if we didn't hear no report by five o'clock we was to turn back. And we didn't hear any and we turned back and I tell you the boys all was keen to go.","They had a right hard battle at the river. I think they fought about four hours and a half, they say that we lost four and twenty one wounded. I don't know how many the yankees lost, they say that they hauled eighteen loads away after the battle and they had four wagons hauling all the time they was fighting. Mr Slow from Waynesboro was down on the battle field this morning and he says that they had hot times down their for certain. He says that the cannon balls tore up the ground all about there. The yankees is now on the top of Cheat Mountain and I heard that General Lee had whipped them at Huttonsville the same day. If he whipped them as bad there as they was here I think they had better quit and go home and stay there, but we look for another battle at Greenbrier river every day. We think that General Lee will drive them on us, they haft to whip us at Greenbrier or they will haft to whip old Lee and go the other way. I have saw the yankee tents on the top of Cheat Mountain.","That is all that I can say for this time. Dear Wife I have no money to send to you and I don't know when I will get any and if you want any you must try to sell some rye if you can spare it, and if you can't spare it you must try and sell one of the calves and get what you can. You must try and do the best you can while I am absent from you, but I hope and trust that I will return again safe and sound. And if I should not return no more I hope that we will meet in heaven and there to meet to part no more for ever and ever. I want you all to pray for me that I may get there and I will do all I can to meet you all there. I thank god that he has made it so plain that I can just see how I am placed. Dear Lissa I want you to write to me as soon as you can and I want you to let me know how you are getting a long and how all of my friends are getting along. Well my Dear wife I could write more but I don't think it necessary and so nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well to you all for this time. I have one more word to say I want you to kiss my sweet little boy for me","Henry H. Dedrick To his Dear Wife","Hiram Coyner told me to give you all his best respects, he is well and hearty. He told me to tell you all that he had his health better than he had for years. Tell Aunt Rebecca that he wanted her to write him a letter and send it to him","Direct your letter the same way you did before","Dear Wife- \nI have [received] your most affectionate letter. I will send you a few more lines to let you know that I got it. I had wrote a letter and sealed it up and I tore it open again. Dear wife I was glad to hear from you. You don't know how much good it done me when I got it. I received it with …. \n[Continue with personal news; most words illegible]","Letter of Hiram Coyner \nOctober the 20 1861","Dear brother and sister- \nI have an opportunity to send you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, and I hope these few lines may find you all enjoying the same state of health. As I have an opportunity to send you a few lines in with H. H. Dedrick letter I thought I would do so, as I have sent two or three to my wife and I have got no answer yet I thought I would try it in his and see what is the matter. Give my love to aunt Rebecca and Amanda and all of my inquiring friends. We have good preaching here and prayer meeting regular. As it is getting dark I have to close my few lines and so nothing more at present but remember your affectionate brother until death","Hiram Coyner to brother and sister. I want you to write to me","Lissa you will please hand this to John or Beck \u0026 oblige Hiram Coyner","Dear Wife- \nI have an opportunity this morning to send you a few lines by Walter Lewis to let you know that I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all are well and doing well. Bill O. is well he is agetting breakfast. The rest of the creek boys is all well with the exception of Rice and [Bridge]. They aint very well at this time. We have had some hard times here. We have had some snow here, it is a snowing here now. We have rain or snow every two or three days and it is most impossible to get provisions here for all the soldiers.","We have moved in our cabin and we have very good times now. We can do almost as well here as we can at home. All of the soldiers have left Greenbrier River. They come up here yesterday. Some of them will stay here with us and some of them will go to Staunton. I am on guard. I have stood one tour and I tell you it is cold.","I wrote this above before daylight this morning. I heard while I was on my post that our regiment and four other regiments was to stay on Alleghany this winter. I saw Jeremy Falls last night. He was well. Give my love to all my friends. Lissa we drawed our money yesterday and I will send you fifteen dollars in this letter. I will send you five more in this which will make twenty dollars in this letter and I will send you seven dollars by Lewis, that will make twenty seven dollars. I want you to take care of it for me. If you need any you must take as much of it as you want. I drawed $63.85. I paid $6.50 for my coat and $6.00 for a pair of boots that I got from Smith, and I paid Lewis $20.00 and [illegible] 35 cents. I wrote you a letter some time ago and I have not got any answer from it yet. I want you to write soon and let me know how you are agetting along. If you have anything to send me if you have a chance you may send it and if you don't have any chance it don't make any difference. I have more to write but I have not got time to write. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. So fare you well my Dear. H. H. Dedrick to his Dear wife. Lissa, I don't want you to lend out one cent of it to nobody on occasion at all.","[Response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley)]\nMary E. A. Dedrick to Henry \nNov. [?] 1861 \nDear Henry- I packed up a good many things, preserves and one thing and another and took them over to Grasses and he told me he would take them and I went over there the next day after he started and he hadn't took them, and this letter was in the satchel, the reason you didn't get it sooner. We are well. It is agetting late and I must go to the office yet. May my kind saviour protect you. Yours truly, M.E.A.D.","Dear Wife- It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well at present. But I have had the mumps for better than a week. They did not hurt me much. I kept myself close and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and the little boy enjoying good health and all the rest of my friends.","Dear Lissa I received your most affectionate letter that you wrote on the fifth and the sixth on the eighth and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well and doing well. Dear wife you wrote to me that you wanted to know if I had received the letter that you wrote to me the 22nd or not. I received the letter that you wrote on the the 21, the next day after I wrote that letter that Mr Lewis brought you, and I answered it the 1st or the 2nd of this month. I thought that I would wait a few days as I had sent one by him and I had wrote one on the 5th to send it by Mr. L. Falls. He was coming to Staunton to bring some horses in and then he was coming home to see them all, but as other orders come he did not get to come and he returned it to me today. I get to see him and David Kennedy nearly every day, and James Trusler. They are all well at this time. James Trusler is working with Grass in the blacksmith shop. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Dear Lissa I wrote to you to send me some pants the first chance you get and the rest of them that I wrote for as I am nearly out of pants. There is a great excitement here today. They don't seem to think that we [will] stay here long. Some of them seems to think that we have to go to Winchester and some thinks that we will go to Staunton, but I don't know how it will be for there is so much news in camp. We expect a fight here of before long. Captain Long came to our cabin a few minutes ago and told us to be in readiness. You must excuse my bad writing as I am in a hurry and have no time to spend and bad ink and paper.\nDear and Dearest wife, you wanted to know if I was trying to get religion or not. I have been tryhing and I intend to try all that I can, but I tell you it is a hard place here in camp. I will tell you more about it the next time. You will please excuse me for this time, so nothing more but I will remain your affectionate husband until death. God bless you. H. H. Dedrick to wife.","Dear Lizza I will write a few more lines to let you know how our scouts come out that went down at Greenbrier River this morning. They come across of some yankies and they killed two and took two prisoners and none of our men hurt.","I saw David Kennedy a few minutes ago. He is well, he told me to give his best respects to you all and that he was very sorry to hear that Uncle Sam had lost his children. He told me to tell you that he had wrote Lizza a letter but he had not sent it, and he was glad that I told him that she was dead and would not send it. Hiram Coyer and Ben Wright has left here. They left Thursday night and David Robertson and Frank Bush left last Wednesday morning. They will fare badly I think.","Tell all of the folks how I am and give my love to all my inquiring friends. I must bring my scribble to a close. May god bless you all. You will please excuse my bad writing for I have bad ink and bad paper and it is dark. I have some paper nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. Fare you well. H. H. Dedrick to wife, write soon.","Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity this morning as I have time to inform you that I am well at present and I hope when these few lines comes to hand that they may find you and your sweet little boy enjoying good health and all of my friends the same.","We have a great deal of sickness here at this time. James Lewis is very low with the erysipelas. He had the sore throat in the first place, he is very low. His face and head is swollen up, that his eyes was nearly shut and his face is a s black on one side as it can be, but he is a little better this morning, but I hardly think he will get over it. William Offlighter is not very well at this time. All the rest of the creek boys is well.","Hiram Coyner \u0026 Wright is out of the guard house. They only was in the guard house 12 days. They did not punish them any but kept them in the guard house at night and made them work in the day under a guard. Little Tommy Offlighter sends his love to you all. He has been well. We have bad weather here, we had some snow this week and it is raining here this morning and it is very foggy too, but it is not as cold here as I thought it would be out here in the mountain.","Jan 12. \nDear Lizza I will send you a few more lines. I wrote some of this a few days ago and I have been at work on a regular detail. We have to walk five miles morning and evening. We are making clapboards. I don't have to stand picket or do any other duty as long as I am on a regular detail.","It is very warm this morning. We are all well this morning. Mr. Lewis is better. Mr. Grass has been very sick, he has been sick two or three weeks but he is on the mend. Dear Lizza I received the [word omitted by author]you sent by Dr. Drummons yesterday and all the rest of the things which was ten apples and twenty cakes and the sausage and the hickory nuts that you put in my pants pocket. Tell mother and Amanda and Carry that I am much obliged to them for their kindness and I got the bottle of whiskey. James McDaniel give it to me but did not tell me who sent it to me, but I think you sent it to me. I was very glad to get them and also I am much obliged to you for them. I have not seen Dr. yet. I had no chance. Mr. McDaniel [said] to me last night if I wanted to send you a letter that I had better write last night, but I didn't have no candle. I send my pants back. I will tell more the next letter as I have no time. Give my love to all. Nothing more but reamin you affectionate husband until death \nHenry H. Dedrick","To his Dear Wife, Good by, write soon","I received you most dear letter on the 19th and I was very glad to hear from you, to hear that you was well. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and the baby well and all the rest of my inquiring friends if there be any. I find that there is but few in those [these] days, every man that is now at home is for his self and they take every advantage of them who is now in the army serving their country. I do hope that it will be our time next.","Dear Lizza I want you to give me some satisfaction about my rye. I want to know if you have got it all thrashed out if you have not made use of it all. I want you to take care of it and your corn. If you have any you must keep it for grain is a going to be scarce after while. I want to know if you get any thing from Mrs. Ellis or not and I want to know how much you have got from him.","Dear Lizza you wished to know what we wanted with so many clapboards. We have a stable to build, large enough to hold one hundred and fifty horses and we have some cabins to build yet, but I don't know how many.","I am well and hearty. William Offlighter, George W. Offlighter, E. W. Sillings, Hiram Coyner, J. W. Padgett, Benjamin Wright, Lewis Phillips is all well and hearty. James, Lewis and William Grass is on the mend, they all send you their best respects. The health of our Regt. is very good at this time. Dr. J. S. Myers has been elected second lieutenant in our company. He is well.","Dear Lizza I would like very much to see you and your sweet little boy about this time. Some says that we will get furloughs after while. If any of our company gets furlough I will. Captain Long says that he is going to try the first of next week and see what he can do for us. There is twelve married men that has not been at home. He says if there is any chance for us we shall go.","Well, as I have no news of importance I will close for the present. I have not yet give up trying to meet my lord. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us. From your husband. \nM. E. A. Dedrick","Dear Henry: \nI received your dear letter Wednesday and was very glad to hear you was well. I would have received it sooner I suppose but the mail was delayed. We are all well. Your Father was here last Sabbath and they were all well. They say that Mag [---mon] and Dave [illegible] is married. Franklin Manly is dead, he had the sore throat and little Tis Manly is about of. Times is hard here and if this war continues I don't know what poor people is to do. You wanted me to give you some satisfaction about your rye. I had to give rye for threshing and I paid James Lewis and pap and I lent Dr. Drummand a bushel and a half and Pap got his share out of it and sold Hester a half of bushel for coffee, and I have a little left and I have got a little to thresh. You wanted me to take care of it and I do assure you that I will take care of everything that I have got.","You wanted to know if I had any corn. I have got some and I have to feed my hogs every night and morning a little for they are [there is] not a bit of [illegible]. Dear Henry you wanted to know if I got anything from Mr. Ellis. He gives me 25 and 30 lbs. of flour a month, 1 lb of coffee, 2 lbs of sugar and no meat. He give me a little last fall but none since, and it don't do me, and I had to use what little buckwheat I had and have to use my corn and I can't get to go after it always, and if I want a horse I have to pay 25 cts for it and if I want a little wagon I have to pay 50 cts. for it and everything is so high. You don't know what hard times I have here about wood. Your Father did haul me a little and Aunt Becky got some hauled and when that is done I don't know what I will do. Pap sold his horse, when he had his I could get it any time.","Aunt Becky says Willie can eat as much corn bread and buttermilk as the next one. He can whistle pretty good. Uncle Jonathan says watch and pray lest you be led into temptation for he says your wife is here and you are there. Dear Henry I am glad that you are not give up trying to get to heaven. In this world we have tribulation. But in Christ we have consolation. I hope we will meet around the throne one day or other. Dear Henry strive for heaven. From your sincere wife, M. A. E. Dedrick","P.S. I was glad when I heard Long was going to try to get you married men a furlough but I don't believe Genl. Johnson will give you any. Nine days from today your baby will be a year old. Amanda Ma and pa sends their compliments to you and Hiram and Wm. [S. H. O.]","My Dear Wife- \nI received your most dear letter this evening and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you and your little boy was well and all the rest of the folks. I am well but I have not been very well for the three last days. I have been out about 5 miles from camp all last [word omitted] making clapboards for to cover a stable. I don't know when we will get done making them. I expect we will go out in the morning again. William Offlighter and I stays close together. He is well at this time. We are very well satisfied at our work.","I have not been on guard nor on picket for more than a month and I am not very sorry of it. We have a bad way to sleep at night but we would rather do that than to stand picket in the cold and in snow.","Dear Lissa I have no important news to write. I want you to get anything that you want if it takes every cent that you have, and if you want any more money you must let me know, and as soon as I get my next pay as we ought to have got it some time ago as they had promised. I think we will get it soon.\nDear Lissa I was very sorry to hear of the death of Franklin Manley and to hear that the little [word missing] was very low. It troubles Mr. Manley very much, he is trying to get a furlough to come home and he says if he don't get one he will come any how, furlough or no furlough he will.","William Offlighter is in his bunk asleep. He was reading and he fell asleep with his book in his arms. He sends his love to you all. He told me to tell you to tell your pap to pick him out a good cow or a heifer that will have a calf in the Spring. He wants you to get him one by Spring. Hiram Coyner sends his love to you all. Give my love to all and tell James and Rosy that I would like to hear from them once six months.","Dear Lissa I hope and trust to my lord if we don't meet on earth no more that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more. I am trying all I [know]. Dear Lissa I must close for this time as I am tired and paper is scarce. I want you to let me know where Nannie Balsley is and what she is doing. I seen D. Kennedy this morning, he is well. I have not seen [-ash] and Dr. D for some time, but they are well. Nothng more but remain your most affectionate husband until death separates us from this world.","Henry H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","My Dear Wife- \nI take my pen in hand this morning to write you a few lines to make up what I have wrote on the other piece, as I was in a hurry for I thought I would send it and wait until the next time and then I did not send it, as I would have time to write more.","I am well at this time and I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all in good health. I received a letter from Father yesterday and I was very glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well. He said in his letter that he was out to see you the day before, and he said that you and Willie was well and all the rest of your pap's folks was well. He said when he started from there that little Willie cried and hollered after him. He said that he left with a sad heart to think that the little boy would cry after him and to think that I was out here and did not know whether we would ever meet on earth any more or not, and he said that he had to shed tears when he was writing to think about it. Dear Lissa you don't know how it hurt my feelings to read it.","Dear dear Lissa we have some very good times here although we have to run out in the ditches sometimes when the pickets makes a false alarm. I tell you that we get up and toddle to the ditches and there we have to stand out there and all most freeze, but we take it all in fun. We hear so much news here that we don't know what to believe and so I don't listen at anything that I hear.","I must stop writing as I am getting tired. Father sent me the pattern of our sweet little boys hand. I was glad to see it. It has growed very much since I seen it. Dear Lissa I tell you that we have to pay high for every thing that we buy. I bought two checks shirts and I had to pay for the two four dollars and a half. I think that it is right hard that we can't get a shirt with out paying $2.25cts for it. I have some money here, if you want some let me know. I don't like to send in a letter, but if you need it I will try send it in a letter. It is very pleasant here today. Give my love to all of my inquiring friends if there be any. May god bless you and save you through Christ. From you husband. I hope that I will see you on earth again. God bye Dear wife, for this time.","My Dear Wife- \nI received your kind letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and I was sorry to hear that you had the mumps, but if you take good care of your self you will soon get well. I was glad to hear that Willie was so [pert] and so lively. I am well at present and I do hope when these lines comes to hand they may find you all well.","Uncle Will is not very well. He has been very sick. We have left Alleghany. We left last Wednesday and come to Monterey and the next day we come to McDowell and then we stayed there one day, and on Saturday we marched within a half of a mile of Rodgerses, which is on Shenandoah Mountain. We are now within 24 1/2 miles of Staunton and 14/12 miles from Buffalo Gap, but I can't tell you how long we will stay here, but if we stay here long I would like your pap to come out here to see me.","I would like to see you all very much, but if I can't get to see you before my time is out I think I can stay three months and a half yet if I have my health. All of the creek boys is well. William Diddle is sitting in his tent blowing his fife.","Dear Lissa I was up on the top of a ridge yesterday and I could see the Blue Ridge. I could see the laurel and Spring Hollow and I said to my self now if I was up in that hollow how soon I could get home. Well Dear Lissa I will now finish my letter. It is now 3 o'clock and it is very cold and snowy. We all just have to do the best we can. We are nearly froze. All the balance of my mess is lying down in the tent wrapped up in there blankets. I wish you could see us, then you would say that we had hard times out here.","Lissa you wanted to know how much I had to pay a year on that lot and how much I had to pay in all. I have to pay $38.75cts a year and there is four payments back yet that will make $155. Yet if you do pay any on it you must take in my note.","Uncle Will, Will Diddle, and Hiram Coyner and James Padgett and Ephriam Sillings all sends their best regards to you and Amanda and Aunt Rebecca and your mother and your Pap, and you will please give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, and you must accept a great portion for your self. You said in your letter that I had better kept one of them ladies that I sent you. I had no use for them as they could not cook nor wash nor do anthing else. I would rather have you here by a long ways before I would have them. I must close as I am so cold I can't write. I was glad to get some of your hair. It is very pretty. May god bless you all. Nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.","H. H. Dedrick to his dear wife.","April the 15th 1862 \nDear husband I'll attempt to write to you once more to inform you of our health. I am well, only a pain in my back and side. Willie has been very sick with the Cholera Morbus. It weakened him down considerably, but he is now as mischievous as ever. I have had the same complaint that Willie had, but I have gotten over it. It is a cloudy disagreeable day today. It has been raining here today but it has quit. I tell you Dear Henry my thoughts were fixed on you all them cold snowy days last week. I don't know how you poor fellows can stand it. I know you all have a hard time out there in them cold cotton hats. I expect they will be many of you sick that haven't been.","Tears came twinkling from my eyes when I came to where you said that you came out on a hill and seen the Laurel Spring hollow and saying to yourself how soon could I get home if I was there. But I hope if it is gods will that you will be nearer home than that hollow before long. Dear Henry no one knows how bad I want to see you. No one knows how bad it is to be from each other, only those that have tried it. But one thing I do sincerely hope that you may never volunteer again for no one one knows how bad I want you to be in peace at home again.","I got a letter from Jack's wife and she wasn't very well. She expects to be confined soon. Jackson and Harry are in the army. William is at home on a sick furlough, he is getting better. I suppose Shenandoah has got a right nice little town on it chiefly of white houses. Tell me in your next letter how many regiments there are out there besides Baldwin's. I received the fifteen dollwars you sent by Meyers. He came up to Lewises. Amanda has the mumps but she is better (little Cate had them too). She sends her best and kindest respects to you and cousin William Diddle and to the rest of her friends out there and tell them their kindness were welcome received.","I was sorry to hear that you was so cold when you was writing and that you all was so cold. I hope if it is for the best that it will soon be pretty clear warm weather. Who did you send your [coat] and letters by. I haven't got them yet. I don't know whether [Mary] has got hers yet or not. I seen her yesterday but I forgot to ask her. Tell Uncle Will that she and the children were all well. Mother and pap are well. pap tried to get us two calves over at old Gray's sale but they were too unreasonably high and he didn't get them.","Tears came in mother's eyes as I read her your letter. Pray a great deal dear Henry and never forget god who is [illegible] who has give you health, that you have been spared so long. \"Pray without ceasing.\" From your wife M.E.D.","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know how and where I am. I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you and the boy enjoying the same blessing of health.","We are two miles below Port Republic at this time, but I don't know how long we will stay here and I do not know where we will go. Some thinks we will go to Staunton, but it is hard to tell where we will go. The Yankees is between us and Harrisonburg. They have been following us pretty close, but we have not been very bad scared yet. Our brigade had a little fight last Sunday on the right had side of Strassburg. We had one wounded in our regt. and three of Capt. Lusk's artillerymen they was wounded by one of his own [firings]. I don't know how many the yankees lost.","Last Friday our brigade was in the rear to cover the retreat about two miles this side of Harrisonburg. The yankee cavalry run up on Ashby's cavalry and fired on them. Ours returned the fire and then charged on them and took 52 of their cavalrymen prisoner. On Col., one Maj., two Capt., and two killed. We had one wounded and he was a Major. Ashby run them back within two miles of town and then he sent for us to assist him. We turn back and went two miles back along the road and then flanked out to the right through a strip of woods and went about one mile.","The 44th, 58th VA and the 1st Maryland Regts. was before our Regt. and they seen the yankees coming round to flank us, and the 58th laid down in the brush and as they come up they fired on them and the yankees was so much confused they wheeled and run back apiece and then they turned and fired on our men and we had a hot time of it for a little while, but we drove them back with three small Regt. Our Regt. was not engaged in it. There was about ten thousand of the yankees. Our loss was 75 killed and wounded. General Ashby was killed in the first of the engagement. I don't know how many the yankees lost, but from all accounts their loss was great. I expect the yankees got a good many of our men from Winchester up to Harrisonburg men that was broken down. We have taken 3.2.12. prisoners since we have been in hte valley.","I have more news but I have not the time to write. I have been down within a quarter of a mile of Charles Town. The health of the soldiers is very good. Hiram Coiner is well and so is Mr. Lewis. Hiram come to us last Tuesday below New Market. None of the rest of the boys that ran off have come back but Hiram. They haven't done anything with him yet. I don't know what they will do with him.","Dear Lissa I would be very glad to see you and the little boy at this time and also the rest of my friends. Give my love to all inquiring friends if there be any, but accept a great portion for your self. May god bless you all and save you all. From your affectionate husband. H. H. D. M. E. D.","Josiah Balsley is well and sends his love to you all. I received the letter you wrote on the 23 and I sent an answer but I have not heard from it. Write as soon as you can. Good bye for this time.","Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia \nJuly 5th, 1862","My Dear Wife- \nI take this opportunity [illegible portion] I have not for some time. I have not wrote since I saw father. I am well at present. [Remaining portion of this page is illegible].","...all the creek boys is well and hearty. E. W. Sillings has come here last Thursday. He is well. If you see his wife or can send her any word tell her that he is here.","I must close as the man that I want to send it by is about to start. I have more news but I have no time. You must write soon and direct your letters as you have heretofore. May god bless you all. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death separates us from this world. Fare you well dear wife. I hope I will soon get home again. I want you to kiss Willie for me. Give my love to all. H. H. Dedrick to M. E. A. Dedrick.","Spotsylvania Co. Virginia. Camp near Hamilton's Crossing. \nMay 10th 1863","Dear Father- \nI take this opportunity to drop you a few to answer your few lines that I received from you this evening. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that youw as well. I am well at present and hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you all enjoying the same blessing of god a resting upon you.","You said that you heard that Gen. Jackson had a fight. It was not only him it was all of the troops. We had one of the hardest fights that we ever had since the war begun. General Jackson has lost one of his arms and [has] now got the pneumonia. He is not expected to live. He was shot by our own pickets. He got out side of our pickets after night and he come up in a gallop and they fired on him and wounded him and all of his guard but one. Our loss is said to be twenty thousand killed wounded and missing. I don't know what the [loss] of the enemy was but it must be terrible. I have just heard that General Jackson was dead. If he is it is a great loss to the Southern confederacy.","You said that there was a petition wrote and sent to me or my officers. I have not heard nothinig from it. I don't think I will need but you can get it and send it to me, for if the officers gets it it won't do me any good. William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner is in Richmond from what I can find out. They left the last day of April and I have not heard from them since.","If we stay here I wish you would come down and bring me something to eat for we don't get half enough and I can't stand it. If you do come you can bring something along and make more off of it [than] you can make any other way. You can get from 50 to 75 cents for a pie, and tobacco is very high. You can sell most anything atall, potatoes 50 cents per quart. Thread is very high and I have two overcoats and a good blanket I would like to send home. If I had them at home I wouldn't take less than 60 dollars for them. If you come and if we are at the ame place you can come to Hamilton's Crossing, that is [with]in two miles of our camp.","Joshua Robison [Robinson?] and Adam Pannell sends their best respects to you all. I must close for this time. You will please excuse me for this. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to Elijah Balsley.","May 11th 1863 \nDear Wife- \nI take this priviledge this morning to drop you a few more lines. I received your kind letter yesterday after I had written home one to you. It found me well except the toothache it all but set me crazy. I commenced while I was writing to you and I had to quit writing for awhile but it has quit aching now. Give father and mother and Betty my love and tell him I would have written him a letter but I have not got the paper. Tell him to write to me. I must close. May god be with you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death separates us Henry H. Dedrick To Mary E. Dedrick.","May the 25 1863 \nCamp Near Hamilton's Crossing","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this morning to let you know that I am not very well. I was taken with pains in my head and back and then in my arms and legs that I could not help myself. I was taken Sunday night. I have got so that I can sit up and write. I received your most kind letter Saturday. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and doing as well as you was. I hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and Willie well.","I seen William Offlighter and Hiram Coyner last Saturday. They was well. They have got back from Richmond. They are in the brigade guard house. They have been courtmartialed but they have not heard their sentence yet. They told me that Castle Thunder was the worst place that they ever seen, but they said that they got plenty to eat. Hiram said that he expects he will have to go back to Castle Thunder again.","We get plenty to eat now. They have raised our rations. We [get] one pound and an eight of flour and a half a pound of bacon and some sugar and some peas. We can do very well on that. We are camped at the [illegible] old place yet but I don't know how long we will stay here. I don't hear of no moves at this time. I received that petition that was sent to me. I showed it to the Capt. and to the Col. They both said it was very good.","Tell your pap that if he comes down to bring me some tobacco. Tell him that he can get in camp without any trouble. I would be very glad to see him. Mr. Able is well. He comes to me nearly every day to see if I get a letter or not. If you see any of them tell them he is well. Give my love to J. M. D. and J. D. B. and all the rest of my inquiring friends. Write soon. May the blessings of God rest upon you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI thank god that I have been permitted to see a few more lines from under your hand. I received your most kind letter this morning. It was dated on the 2nd of this month. I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you was well and to hear that all the rest of the folks was well. I am well and doing as well as could be expected. I do hope when these few lines comes to hand they may find you and little Willie in good health.","We have been permitted to stay here today. We got here yesterday about twelve oclock and drawed three days rations and was to be ready to start this morning by day light, and then we got orders to stay here today and cook another days rations. I don't know where we will go.","We left the old camp last Thursday night at twelve oclock. We have not been marching very hard but it went very hard with some of us. My feet got very sore and my legs has been very sore for some time, but they have got better. I have heard cannon all day long. It commenced about sun rise and was very heavy. It is down the river between this and Fredericksburg somewhere, but I don't know where.","The same night that we left our old camp the yankees crossed the river at the same place that they crossed before, but General Hill was there with his Corps. The Yankees shelled his troops friday, Saturday and Sunday, but General Hill laid still to draw them out, but they smelt the Rat and would not come out. General Hill has been reinforced with five thousand new troops. They have never been in a fight, but if they stay there I think they will get into it and that before long. We expect to go into it at any time. I would not be surprised if we don't be in Maryland before ten days. Some thinks that we will go over in the valley. We are on the road that leads to New Market. It leads from Culpeper to Sperryville and then to New Market, but I can't tell you where we will go.","I have more news but I have not time to write. I sent you a letter at the same time that I sent Fathers. I mailed them both at the same time. I saw Jacob Ded. several days ago, he was well and send his compliments to you all.","They have courtmartialed me at last, but they had right smart trouble before they got it done. But I have not heard my sentence yet. They wanted to make me drill and to... \n[At this point Dedrick switched from pen to pencil and the text is illegible except for a few sentences at the end]","Dear Lissa I want you to forget to tell me who told you that I had said that you didn't care anything about me. Dear Lissa I have some good news to tell you when I write again. May god bless you. H. H. Dedrick.","My Dear Wife- \nI take the opportunity this evening to drop you a few lines to let you know how I am and where I am. I am five miles below Winchester.","My dear wife I tell you that we have had a hard time since we left our old camp. We arrived at Winchester last Saturday and we found some yankees there and we took a general review on Saturday and Sunday our skirmishes and the yankees was fighting all day long. The Yankees shelled us all day on Sunday.\nAbout half past eleven oclock our division, that is Gen. Early's division, took back about two miles on the left hand side of the turnpike and then we turned to our right and marched down below Winchester opposite of the Yankees fortifications, and then we laid there until six oclock and then we opened fourteen pieces of artillery on them in their fortifications. And I tell you the yankees had to get out of that place. Pretty soon the La. brigade charged on them and run them out of their fortifications and then our brigade charged for about a mile to hold the ditches.","We took fourteen pieces of artillery from them at that place and that night the yankees got up and scadaddled out of that place and took for Martinsburg. But old General Edward Johnson he went down and got before them and as they come along he pitched in to them and took nearly all of them prisoner. I think that we have taken nearly all that was at Winchester. It is reported that we have got old Gen. Milroy. If we have got him it is a fine thing for he has treated some of our people very bad. I think we have got about four thousand of them. Our loss is not very heavy. We only lost one man out of our Regiment. We have take all of their artillery that they had here but I have not heard how many pieces they had.","I saw Jacob today. He is well. We will stay here until tomorrow. I don't know where we will go. I did not finish telling you about the yankees. We took everything that they had. I saw a long train of wagons just below Winchester where they left. I have more news but I have not time to write. Dear Lissa I am well at present and I hope when these few lines come to hand they may find you enjoying the same blessing of god aresting upon you.","Wheat looks very well down here. Corn is short. Lissa I understand that John Coyner claims them coonskins at fathers. I want you to tell father that I want him to take them to the tanyard and get them tanned and you send the one that is in the spring house. I want you to take the fur off of them and get somebody to get a hat made out of it. Give my love to Julie and tell her I have no chance to write to her. Tell her Hiram is well and I received her letter when I got yours and one from Martha Balsley. Give her my love and tell her I have no chance to write. Give my love to all inquiring friends. I have more news but no paper. I will close for this time. Write soon. May god bless you all. I remain your affectionate husband until death. H. H. Dedrick.","...them thunder. There the Yankees broke for Winchester before we got there. It was nine miles from where we was to Middletown. We went 3 miles below town that night and we stayed there about 3 hours and then we started for WInchester. Some of our forces was on ahead and they came in on the Yankees about daylight and in a few minutes after we got there. Our men made a charge on them and they broke and run and we run them 5 miles and we got a great many prisoners. The cavalry men has been bringing them back in big squads all day today. They brought a yankee past and his wife was with him and she was a [back] one at that. Dr. Lewis asked him if that was his wife. he said yessir and the[y] had took a good many negroes and we got a good many of them back. We have taken a great many horses and wagons and other things. We got 3 trains of cars at Front Royal and 500 sacks of coffee and a great deal of salt and other things. They burnt up nearly one square of Winchester. We expect to follow them on.","I have more news but I have no time and no paper with me, but I have plenty in my knapsack. It is in Harrisonburg. I seen John and Harry [or Harvey] Friday morning. They are both well. I seen Uncle Jacob Dedrick in Bridgewater. He said he seen Jake that morning driving a wagon and I heard of him being at Front Royal but I have not seen him yet.","Give my love to all and accept a great portion for yourself. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death. May god bless you all. Write soon. H. H. Dedrick to wife. I sent you a letter some time ago and I have got no answer from it.","Dear Lissa I just have eaten a hearty dinner. Me and Ben White had the pleasure of eating dinner by ourselves as all the rest of our mess has run off but four. J and James Lewis and Joseph Liggett has gone out to get their dinner. I received your kind letter while I was at dinner and I was truly glad to hear from you and to hear that you all was well.","Dear Lissa [illegible] be very glad to see you at his time. I have a good deal of news to tell you which is too tedious to write. You will please excuse my bad writing as I have no chance to write. Fare you well my dear.","Dear Lissa \nAs I had forgot to let you know that Joseph Grass was killed at the fight at Gettysburg. I first heard that he was only wounded but since I have that he was killed. I want you to show this to William Grass. All the creek boys is well. I don't know where James Padgett is. He came to us when we was at Winchester and they kept him with the Regiment until we got to Shepherdstown and then I don't know where he went. We have marching orders. They have taken all the guards in from peoples houses...","Dear Lissa- \nYou said in your letter that the little boy weighed 28 lbs. I don't think he has gained much. I want you to kiss him for me as I don't have no chance to kiss him myself and when you kiss him think of me. I weighed some three weeks ago and I only weighed one hundred and seventy eight and William Offlighter weighed 177. There was but one pound between us. Well I must bring my. William Offlighter sends his love to you all also Hiram Coyner. Give my love to all. I heard that they had sent for Gerard and David Gray. I thank god that they have not had the chance to send for me. I thank the lord for his kindness towards me that he has give me good health. If I don't meet you on earth I hope to meet you in heaven above where parting will be no more. I must close for this time. Please excuse me for this time. Write soon. So nothing more but remain your affectionate husband until death.\nHenry H. Dedrick To his devoted wife.","Here is a ring for you that I made for you. It is the first..."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Henry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter fragment regards family news.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) (\"Lissa\" or \"Lizza\"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Written from Highland County, Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp, troop movements, and general Civil War news.","Letter regards personal news, but much of it is illegible. The letter also includes a letter on the reverse from Hiram Coyner to his brother and sister.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and financial news. The letter also includes a response from Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) dated November, 1861.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Letter regards general news and life in camp.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Letter regards family and general news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and personal news.","Written from \"Camp Alleghany.\" Letter regards life in camp and family news.","Written from Augusta County, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements, general news, and family news.","Written from Sherando, Virginia. Letter regards personal and family news.","Written from Port Republic, Virginia. Letter discusses recent fighting near Strasburg and Harrisonburg, Virginia.","Written from \"Camp near James River 27 miles below Richmond, Virginia.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Letter regards life in camp and mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.","Also included is a short letter to Mary E. A. Dedrick, dated May 11, 1863.","Written from \"Camp Near Hamilton's Crossing,\" Virginia. Letter regards general news. The letter also mentions Castle Thunder, which was a former tobacco warehouse in Richmond, VA that served as a military prison during the Civil War.","Written near Culpeper, Virginia. Letter regards general War news and mentions that Henry H. Dedrick has been court marshalled.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Letter regards troop movements and recent skirmishes with Union troops.","Written near Winchester, Virginia. Pages one and two of this letter are missing. The fragment regards fighting at Winchester.","Letter fragment regards War news.","Letter fragment regards family news."],"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_85d8413bd7d4fcdfd4be6d176b2b8823\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921","Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":21,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:56.008Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_412"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"James B. Terrill letter","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of one letter (dated April 5, 1861) from James B. Terrill to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_241.xml","title_ssm":["James B. Terrill letter"],"title_tesim":["James B. Terrill letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861 April 5"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 April 5"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0161","/repositories/3/resources/241"],"text":["MS.0161","/repositories/3/resources/241","James B. Terrill letter","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","James Barbour Terrill was born in 1838 in Warm Springs, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1858 and went on to become a lawyer. During the Civil War he was a Brigadier General with the Confederate States of America. In 1864 Terrill was killed in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia.","The collection consists of one letter (dated April 5, 1861) from James B. Terrill to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin.","Letter written to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. James B. Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin.","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","Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0161","/repositories/3/resources/241"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James B. Terrill letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["James B. Terrill letter"],"collection_ssim":["James B. Terrill letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B."],"creator_ssim":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B."],"creators_ssim":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B."],"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 1858","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"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\u003eJames Barbour Terrill was born in 1838 in Warm Springs, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1858 and went on to become a lawyer. During the Civil War he was a Brigadier General with the Confederate States of America. In 1864 Terrill was killed in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["James Barbour Terrill was born in 1838 in Warm Springs, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1858 and went on to become a lawyer. During the Civil War he was a Brigadier General with the Confederate States of America. In 1864 Terrill was killed in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames B. Terrill letter, 1861 April 5. MS 0161. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["James B. Terrill letter, 1861 April 5. MS 0161. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of one letter (dated April 5, 1861) from James B. Terrill to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. 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Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin."],"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_c5bf1f9afe770a8bcf5a14d914fda3e4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"persname_ssim":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    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Terrill letter","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1858","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","James Barbour Terrill was born in 1838 in Warm Springs, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1858 and went on to become a lawyer. During the Civil War he was a Brigadier General with the Confederate States of America. In 1864 Terrill was killed in action at Bethesda Church, Virginia.","The collection consists of one letter (dated April 5, 1861) from James B. Terrill to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin.","Letter written to Virginia's Governor, John Letcher. James B. Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin.","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","Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0161","/repositories/3/resources/241"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James B. Terrill letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["James B. Terrill letter"],"collection_ssim":["James B. 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Terrill offers to serve as an officer in the Virginia Volunteers and gives a brief account of his previous military experience. The letter also features an endorsement by John B. Baldwin."],"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_c5bf1f9afe770a8bcf5a14d914fda3e4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"persname_ssim":["Terrill, James B. (James Barbour), 1838-1864","Baldwin, John B.","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:10:56.008Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_241"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"James H. Jameson Civil War letters","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_611.xml","title_ssm":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"title_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1864"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611"],"text":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611","James H. Jameson Civil War letters","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable  online .","James Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.","In 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.","Although Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County.","Point Lookout Hospital \n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864","My dear Daughter \nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026 tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me. \nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.","The money has come safely. \nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864","My Dear Daughter- \nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026 [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately, \nJames H. Jameson.","This collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.","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","Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"collection_ssim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creator_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creators_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"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 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 items"],"extent_tesim":["2 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1864],"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\u003eThe James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/2007\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["James Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.","In 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.","Although Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePoint Lookout Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Daughter\u003cbr\u003e\nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026amp; tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe money has come safely.\u003cbr\u003e\nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Daughter-\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026amp; [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nJames H. Jameson.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Point Lookout Hospital \n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864","My dear Daughter \nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026 tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me. \nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.","The money has come safely. \nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864","My Dear Daughter- \nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026 [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately, \nJames H. Jameson."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames H. Jameson Civil War letters, 1864. MS 0252. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters, 1864. MS 0252. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). 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Jameson's poor health.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health."],"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_6f1784ff34b1b1c63bf75da20d5ec7d6\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":2,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:50.532Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_611","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_611.xml","title_ssm":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"title_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1864"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611"],"text":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611","James H. Jameson Civil War letters","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable  online .","James Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.","In 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.","Although Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County.","Point Lookout Hospital \n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864","My dear Daughter \nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026 tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me. \nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.","The money has come safely. \nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864","My Dear Daughter- \nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026 [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately, \nJames H. Jameson.","This collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.","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","Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0252","/repositories/3/resources/611"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"collection_ssim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creator_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"creators_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"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 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1842","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 11th","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Point Lookout Prison Camp (Md.)","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 items"],"extent_tesim":["2 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1864],"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\u003eThe James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/2007\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The James H. Jameson Civil War letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlthough Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["James Henry Jameson was born circa 1820 and graduated from VMI in 1842. Prior to the Civil War he worked as a teacher, lawyer, and farmer. He married Mary Mildred Bowen of Fauquier County, Virginia in May 1845 and the couple had four children: Alwyn, Harriet (\"Hallie,\" to whom the letters are addressed), Ella, and Henry.","In 1861 Jameson was elected Captain of Company I, 11th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America and was wounded in action at Dranesville, Virginia in December 1861. He resigned from his unit in April 1863 and was hospitalized as late as September 1863. Jameson was arrested by Federal troops at Culpeper Court House, Virginia on March 26, 1864, as \"formerly a Captain in the C.S.A.\" and was sent to prison at Point Lookout, Maryland.","Although Jameson was ultimately exchanged, he did not survive the trip home. He became ill from the effects of his wound and imprisonment while traveling on a flag-of-truce boat to Richmond, Virginia and died on September 30, 1864. He is buried at his wife's family home, \"Belle Coil,\" in Fauquier County."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003ePoint Lookout Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Daughter\u003cbr\u003e\nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026amp; tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe money has come safely.\u003cbr\u003e\nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Daughter-\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026amp; [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nJames H. Jameson.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Point Lookout Hospital \n5th Ward, 4 Division August 8, 1864","My dear Daughter \nI intended writing you some time since but was too feeble to do so. My disease chronic Diarreah. I heard from your Mama on 27th June last. Jacob had built two huts at Spring Hill and your Mama intended when the fruit was wripe to move to it and save the fruit. The crop she represented as being very fine. Send me when convenient (Ten $10). Direct it to the care of Provost Marshall. Now Hallie you can write to me once a week. You see I am too feeble to write. Attend strictly to your studies and try and become well acquainted with one study before you take up a new one. Could you send me some Blackberry jam or any fruits that would act both as astringents \u0026 tonic? Give my kindest regards to your Uncle and Aunts and kiss the little boy for me. \nYours devotedly, James H. Jameson.","The money has come safely. \nPoint Lookout. Aug. 28th, 1864","My Dear Daughter- \nI wrote to your Uncle James some time since. The box with its nice contents\ncame safely. I requested him if he had not started the other things not to send them. I cannot use any thing that is sweet. Since I wrote I have been exceedingly feeble sometimes not able to walk. If I could get good Blackberry or Port wine the Physician says it would be very good for me. The best thing I could have. Your letter stating that you had sent me ten dollars came safely. The one containing the money I expect is in the hands of the Provost Marshall as we do not receive the money but get a book crediting us with the amount and can thus purchase things of the sutler. I feel a little better this morning but am exceedingly feeble. Do not fail to write and tell me of your excursion to the mountains. When you write send me a few stamps as I cannot easily procure them. Give my best respects to your Uncle, Aunt, Aunt Mildred \u0026 [Miss Elvira]. Yours affectionately, \nJames H. Jameson."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames H. Jameson Civil War letters, 1864. MS 0252. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["James H. Jameson Civil War letters, 1864. MS 0252. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of two letters written in August 1864 by James H. Jameson to his daughter, Harriet (\"Hallie\"). Both letters were written while he was a Confederate prisoner of war at Point Lookout Prison, Maryland. In the letters, Jameson discusses his failing health and his need for food.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health.","Written from Point Lookout Prison Hospital, Maryland. Letter regards James H. Jameson's poor health."],"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_6f1784ff34b1b1c63bf75da20d5ec7d6\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Jameson, James H. (James Henry), 1820?-1864"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    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