{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=James+A.+Harden+papers%2C+1860%2F1866\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1861","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=James+A.+Harden+papers%2C+1860%2F1866\u0026f%5Bdate_range%5D%5B%5D=1861\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":6,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Harden, James A. 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Harden papers"],"title_tesim":["James A. Harden papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1866"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1866"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1860/1866"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"text":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","MS.0476","/repositories/3/resources/556","Fort Delaware (Del.)","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Battalion, 23rd","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Prisoners of war","Confederate States of America. 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Letter discusses the importance of military schools that \"will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army.\"\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c02","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c02"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c02","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Daniel M. Harden","title_ssm":["Letter to Daniel M. Harden"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Daniel M. Harden"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Daniel M. Harden, 1861"],"text":["Letter to Daniel M. Harden, 1861","James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865","English","Camp at Fairfax Station\nAug 21st 1861","Dear Father,\nI received yours Lou's and Billy's notes day before yesterday. My advice to Billy would be to return to the Institute. All the Military schools in the land will be in operation, and others will doubtless spring up these will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army. No education in future will hardly be considered complete that does not embrace a knowledge of tactics. It seems to me impolitic to draw Southern boys into the war, when we have enough able‐bodied men to fight our battles, and especially when there is a probability that these boys will render more effective service to their country at a future day. Billy has been at the Institute one year and laid a foundation for his education and I see no good reason why he should not continue to build upon it. I do not think the fact of a war being in progress should do away with the intellectual training of one generation. Two of the Corps of Professors at the Institute have been ordered to return by the 1st of October, the places of the others will be supplied, at least this is the arrangement at present. I suppose by Fall, the cadets whose martial spirit now inclines them to remain in the army, will return to the Institute. Billy spoke of returning as drill master. Since the battle of Manassas, the men would be indignant to talk to them about a drill‐master  as they call themselves old soldiers.","There is no position in this Regiment, or any other, in which Billy could draw pay, and remain only a month or so. But if it is his desire to join the army for the war, and this meets with your approval, I don't think there is any doubt about his obtaining a situation in this Regiment as 3rd Lieut. of Capt. Brown's Company at a salary of eighty ($80) a month. Capt. Brown's 3rd Lieut. has resigned and the vacancy will be to fill, and I asked the Captain the probability of Billy's election. He consulted with his men, and told me he did not think there would be any doubt about it. The resignation of the Lieut. has just been sent in and whilst it will certainly be accepted, it will not be heard from for three or four weeks. I can postpone the election until the 1st October, if necessary. This is all I can do for Billy at present, you \u0026 he can take it under consideration \u0026 report. But tell Billy if he decides to take the post‐ I want him to understand that Genl. Elzey don't give furloughs \u0026 that I don't want to be troubled by loaning money‐ clothes, or treating to ice cream that if he comes he must come with the determination to \"hoe his own row\"‐ He has been in the army long enough to know what it is \u0026 what will be expected of him. Of course I will cheerfully administer to his wants should he get sick, but Billy understands he remembers my lectures about his sponging and complaining at Winchester.","But enough on this subject for the present. I have been directed to make a requisition for 40 rounds of cartridges in addition to what I have and now have a good deal on hand. I am told 17 loads of boats went to Aquia Creek a few days since. I was at Fairfax C.H. yesterday‐ the whole country around is one grand encampment. We have a good deal of sickness in our camp‐ not less than 150 cases‐ of this number about twenty have the remittent fever. Some of my men I fear will die. A. B. Bridges who married  (Robt. Miller's) widow died in the hospital at Richmond with the fever‐ he was delirious when he reached Gordonsville. We lost another man last week with the fever on his way home near camp \u0026 gave them all the attention we can. I am sorry to hear of Mr. Steven's illness‐ but hope he is well by this time. Let me hear from you soon.\nYour affectionate son.\nJim","My regards to Miss Matilda \u0026 Mr. Stevens family.","Written from Camp at Fairfax Station, Virginia. Letter discusses the importance of military schools that \"will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army.\""],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 August 21"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":3,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCamp at Fairfax Station\u003cbr\u003e\nAug 21st 1861 \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yours Lou's and Billy's notes day before yesterday. My advice to Billy would be to return to the Institute. All the Military schools in the land will be in operation, and others will doubtless spring up these will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army. No education in future will hardly be considered complete that does not embrace a knowledge of tactics. It seems to me impolitic to draw Southern boys into the war, when we have enough able‐bodied men to fight our battles, and especially when there is a probability that these boys will render more effective service to their country at a future day. Billy has been at the Institute one year and laid a foundation for his education and I see no good reason why he should not continue to build upon it. I do not think the fact of a war being in progress should do away with the intellectual training of one generation. Two of the Corps of Professors at the Institute have been ordered to return by the 1st of October, the places of the others will be supplied, at least this is the arrangement at present. I suppose by Fall, the cadets whose martial spirit now inclines them to remain in the army, will return to the Institute. Billy spoke of returning as drill master. Since the battle of Manassas, the men would be indignant to talk to them about a drill‐master  as they call themselves old soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere is no position in this Regiment, or any other, in which Billy could draw pay, and remain only a month or so. But if it is his desire to join the army for the war, and this meets with your approval, I don't think there is any doubt about his obtaining a situation in this Regiment as 3rd Lieut. of Capt. Brown's Company at a salary of eighty ($80) a month. Capt. Brown's 3rd Lieut. has resigned and the vacancy will be to fill, and I asked the Captain the probability of Billy's election. He consulted with his men, and told me he did not think there would be any doubt about it. The resignation of the Lieut. has just been sent in and whilst it will certainly be accepted, it will not be heard from for three or four weeks. I can postpone the election until the 1st October, if necessary. This is all I can do for Billy at present, you \u0026amp; he can take it under consideration \u0026amp; report. But tell Billy if he decides to take the post‐ I want him to understand that Genl. Elzey don't give furloughs \u0026amp; that I don't want to be troubled by loaning money‐ clothes, or treating to ice cream that if he comes he must come with the determination to \"hoe his own row\"‐ He has been in the army long enough to know what it is \u0026amp; what will be expected of him. Of course I will cheerfully administer to his wants should he get sick, but Billy understands he remembers my lectures about his sponging and complaining at Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBut enough on this subject for the present. I have been directed to make a requisition for 40 rounds of cartridges in addition to what I have and now have a good deal on hand. I am told 17 loads of boats went to Aquia Creek a few days since. I was at Fairfax C.H. yesterday‐ the whole country around is one grand encampment. We have a good deal of sickness in our camp‐ not less than 150 cases‐ of this number about twenty have the remittent fever. Some of my men I fear will die. A. B. Bridges who married  (Robt. Miller's) widow died in the hospital at Richmond with the fever‐ he was delirious when he reached Gordonsville. We lost another man last week with the fever on his way home near camp \u0026amp; gave them all the attention we can. I am sorry to hear of Mr. Steven's illness‐ but hope he is well by this time. Let me hear from you soon.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e\nJim\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy regards to Miss Matilda \u0026amp; Mr. Stevens family.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Camp at Fairfax Station\nAug 21st 1861","Dear Father,\nI received yours Lou's and Billy's notes day before yesterday. My advice to Billy would be to return to the Institute. All the Military schools in the land will be in operation, and others will doubtless spring up these will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army. No education in future will hardly be considered complete that does not embrace a knowledge of tactics. It seems to me impolitic to draw Southern boys into the war, when we have enough able‐bodied men to fight our battles, and especially when there is a probability that these boys will render more effective service to their country at a future day. Billy has been at the Institute one year and laid a foundation for his education and I see no good reason why he should not continue to build upon it. I do not think the fact of a war being in progress should do away with the intellectual training of one generation. Two of the Corps of Professors at the Institute have been ordered to return by the 1st of October, the places of the others will be supplied, at least this is the arrangement at present. I suppose by Fall, the cadets whose martial spirit now inclines them to remain in the army, will return to the Institute. Billy spoke of returning as drill master. Since the battle of Manassas, the men would be indignant to talk to them about a drill‐master  as they call themselves old soldiers.","There is no position in this Regiment, or any other, in which Billy could draw pay, and remain only a month or so. But if it is his desire to join the army for the war, and this meets with your approval, I don't think there is any doubt about his obtaining a situation in this Regiment as 3rd Lieut. of Capt. Brown's Company at a salary of eighty ($80) a month. Capt. Brown's 3rd Lieut. has resigned and the vacancy will be to fill, and I asked the Captain the probability of Billy's election. He consulted with his men, and told me he did not think there would be any doubt about it. The resignation of the Lieut. has just been sent in and whilst it will certainly be accepted, it will not be heard from for three or four weeks. I can postpone the election until the 1st October, if necessary. This is all I can do for Billy at present, you \u0026 he can take it under consideration \u0026 report. But tell Billy if he decides to take the post‐ I want him to understand that Genl. Elzey don't give furloughs \u0026 that I don't want to be troubled by loaning money‐ clothes, or treating to ice cream that if he comes he must come with the determination to \"hoe his own row\"‐ He has been in the army long enough to know what it is \u0026 what will be expected of him. Of course I will cheerfully administer to his wants should he get sick, but Billy understands he remembers my lectures about his sponging and complaining at Winchester.","But enough on this subject for the present. I have been directed to make a requisition for 40 rounds of cartridges in addition to what I have and now have a good deal on hand. I am told 17 loads of boats went to Aquia Creek a few days since. I was at Fairfax C.H. yesterday‐ the whole country around is one grand encampment. We have a good deal of sickness in our camp‐ not less than 150 cases‐ of this number about twenty have the remittent fever. Some of my men I fear will die. A. B. Bridges who married  (Robt. Miller's) widow died in the hospital at Richmond with the fever‐ he was delirious when he reached Gordonsville. We lost another man last week with the fever on his way home near camp \u0026 gave them all the attention we can. I am sorry to hear of Mr. Steven's illness‐ but hope he is well by this time. Let me hear from you soon.\nYour affectionate son.\nJim","My regards to Miss Matilda \u0026 Mr. Stevens family."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp at Fairfax Station, Virginia. Letter discusses the importance of military schools that \"will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army.\"\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Camp at Fairfax Station, Virginia. Letter discusses the importance of military schools that \"will serve as a nucleus around which to build up a Southern Army.\""],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#1","timestamp":"2026-07-23T21:23:37.080Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_556.xml","title_ssm":["James A. Harden papers"],"title_tesim":["James A. Harden papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1866"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1866"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1860/1866"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"text":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","MS.0476","/repositories/3/resources/556","Fort Delaware (Del.)","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Battalion, 23rd","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Prisoners of war","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th","There are no restrictions","James Abel Harden was born on December 8, 1841 in Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia to Daniel Madison Harden (1813-1887) of Kentucky and Eliza Ann Gibbons (1815-1848) of Virginia. He came to VMI on June 4, 1861 to receive military training. After a few weeks Harden enlisted in the 36th Virginia Regiment and was appointed sergeant major on Aug 10, 1861. He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia.","The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. The collection also includes one letter (dated June 6, 1861) written while Harden was at VMI and other items.","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","Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. (Daniel Madison), 1813-1887","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"collection_ssim":["James A. 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Army—Virginia Infantry Battalion, 23rd","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Prisoners of war","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\nHarden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Contents Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["James Abel Harden was born on December 8, 1841 in Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia to Daniel Madison Harden (1813-1887) of Kentucky and Eliza Ann Gibbons (1815-1848) of Virginia. He came to VMI on June 4, 1861 to receive military training. After a few weeks Harden enlisted in the 36th Virginia Regiment and was appointed sergeant major on Aug 10, 1861. He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames A. Harden papers, 1860-1866. MS-0476. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860-1866. MS-0476. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. The collection also includes one letter (dated June 6, 1861) written while Harden was at VMI and other items.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. 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Letter regards arrival at VMI and daily life as a cadet.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to sister","title_ssm":["Letter to sister"],"title_tesim":["Letter to sister"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to sister, 1861"],"text":["Letter to sister, 1861","James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Correspondence","English","V.M. Institute\nJune 6th, 1861","My Dear Sister, \nI suppose you have heard ere this my whereabouts - I passed through Staunton on yesterday week and would have called to see you but the cars were behind hand that day and the stage left immediately after cars got there and I did not have time to do so. I went to Uncle Jim Burn's and intended coming to see you from there but heard that your school was out and you had gone to Mt. Solon and as I did not have time to come there I left for this place on Monday last where I have been ever since. I entered as a regular cadet. I am well and getting along very well‐ am very lonesome and often long for a letter from you‐ have rec'd no letters from anyone since I have been here. I rec'd a letter from you the day I left the University‐ but have not been able to answer it since‐ and here I have not time to do anything of that kind‐ keep a feller running to roll call, drums, drills and lecture every two minutes almost. When a feller comes here he has to give up his liberty in every respect‐ it is just like you were in jail. Can't leave barracks hardly without permission. I have no news of any importance to write you‐ in fact I haven't heard any news or seen a newspaper since I have been here. I suppose you have rec'd a letter from Uncle Jimmy or Aunt [Min] ere this. They told me they would write and let you know where I was for I did not know when I should have an opportunity to write. There is that infernal drum again.","Returned. I have but time to say Good Bye and write very soon. Love to all.\nYour Loving Bro‐\nJames.","Direct to \nCadet Jas. A. Harden \nV. M. Institute \nLexington, Va \nNever ~Darling~","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and daily life as a cadet."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 June 6"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":2,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may 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","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV.M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 6th, 1861\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister,\u003cbr\u003e \nI suppose you have heard ere this my whereabouts - I passed through Staunton on yesterday week and would have called to see you but the cars were behind hand that day and the stage left immediately after cars got there and I did not have time to do so. I went to Uncle Jim Burn's and intended coming to see you from there but heard that your school was out and you had gone to Mt. Solon and as I did not have time to come there I left for this place on Monday last where I have been ever since. I entered as a regular cadet. I am well and getting along very well‐ am very lonesome and often long for a letter from you‐ have rec'd no letters from anyone since I have been here. I rec'd a letter from you the day I left the University‐ but have not been able to answer it since‐ and here I have not time to do anything of that kind‐ keep a feller running to roll call, drums, drills and lecture every two minutes almost. When a feller comes here he has to give up his liberty in every respect‐ it is just like you were in jail. Can't leave barracks hardly without permission. I have no news of any importance to write you‐ in fact I haven't heard any news or seen a newspaper since I have been here. I suppose you have rec'd a letter from Uncle Jimmy or Aunt [Min] ere this. They told me they would write and let you know where I was for I did not know when I should have an opportunity to write. There is that infernal drum again. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReturned. I have but time to say Good Bye and write very soon. Love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Loving Bro‐\u003cbr\u003e\nJames.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDirect to\u003cbr\u003e \nCadet Jas. A. Harden\u003cbr\u003e \nV. M. Institute\u003cbr\u003e \nLexington, Va\u003cbr\u003e \nNever ~Darling~ \u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V.M. Institute\nJune 6th, 1861","My Dear Sister, \nI suppose you have heard ere this my whereabouts - I passed through Staunton on yesterday week and would have called to see you but the cars were behind hand that day and the stage left immediately after cars got there and I did not have time to do so. I went to Uncle Jim Burn's and intended coming to see you from there but heard that your school was out and you had gone to Mt. Solon and as I did not have time to come there I left for this place on Monday last where I have been ever since. I entered as a regular cadet. I am well and getting along very well‐ am very lonesome and often long for a letter from you‐ have rec'd no letters from anyone since I have been here. I rec'd a letter from you the day I left the University‐ but have not been able to answer it since‐ and here I have not time to do anything of that kind‐ keep a feller running to roll call, drums, drills and lecture every two minutes almost. When a feller comes here he has to give up his liberty in every respect‐ it is just like you were in jail. Can't leave barracks hardly without permission. I have no news of any importance to write you‐ in fact I haven't heard any news or seen a newspaper since I have been here. I suppose you have rec'd a letter from Uncle Jimmy or Aunt [Min] ere this. They told me they would write and let you know where I was for I did not know when I should have an opportunity to write. There is that infernal drum again.","Returned. I have but time to say Good Bye and write very soon. Love to all.\nYour Loving Bro‐\nJames.","Direct to \nCadet Jas. A. Harden \nV. M. Institute \nLexington, Va \nNever ~Darling~"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and daily life as a cadet.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards arrival at VMI and daily life as a cadet."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0","timestamp":"2026-07-23T21:23:37.080Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_556.xml","title_ssm":["James A. Harden papers"],"title_tesim":["James A. Harden papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1866"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1866"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1860/1866"],"normalized_title_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"text":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","MS.0476","/repositories/3/resources/556","Fort Delaware (Del.)","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Battalion, 23rd","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Prisoners of war","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th","There are no restrictions","James Abel Harden was born on December 8, 1841 in Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia to Daniel Madison Harden (1813-1887) of Kentucky and Eliza Ann Gibbons (1815-1848) of Virginia. He came to VMI on June 4, 1861 to receive military training. After a few weeks Harden enlisted in the 36th Virginia Regiment and was appointed sergeant major on Aug 10, 1861. He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia.","The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. The collection also includes one letter (dated June 6, 1861) written while Harden was at VMI and other items.","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","Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. (Daniel Madison), 1813-1887","English"],"collection_title_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"collection_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0476","/repositories/3/resources/556"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0476","/repositories/3/resources/556"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"geogname_ssm":["Fort Delaware (Del.)"],"geogname_ssim":["Fort Delaware (Del.)"],"places_ssim":["Fort Delaware (Del.)"],"creator_ssm":["Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927"],"creator_ssim":["Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. (Daniel Madison), 1813-1887"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creators_ssim":["Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. (Daniel Madison), 1813-1887","Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"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 Battalion, 23rd","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Alumni—Biography","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Prisoners and prisons","Prisoners of war","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["27 items"],"extent_tesim":["27 items"],"date_range_isim":[1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866],"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 Abel Harden was born on December 8, 1841 in Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia to Daniel Madison Harden (1813-1887) of Kentucky and Eliza Ann Gibbons (1815-1848) of Virginia. He came to VMI on June 4, 1861 to receive military training. After a few weeks Harden enlisted in the 36th Virginia Regiment and was appointed sergeant major on Aug 10, 1861. He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\nHarden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Contents Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["James Abel Harden was born on December 8, 1841 in Greenville, Augusta County, Virginia to Daniel Madison Harden (1813-1887) of Kentucky and Eliza Ann Gibbons (1815-1848) of Virginia. He came to VMI on June 4, 1861 to receive military training. After a few weeks Harden enlisted in the 36th Virginia Regiment and was appointed sergeant major on Aug 10, 1861. He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames A. Harden papers, 1860-1866. MS-0476. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"prefercite_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860-1866. MS-0476. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. The collection also includes one letter (dated June 6, 1861) written while Harden was at VMI and other items.\u003c/p\u003e  "],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. Harden to his sister, covering wartime events experienced by his unit as well as his time at Ft. Delaware, Delaware. The collection also includes one letter (dated June 6, 1861) written while Harden was at VMI and other items."],"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_81f984174fa2507dfcea3bda3e994bec\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e\n    "],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. (Daniel Madison), 1813-1887"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Harden, James A. (James Abel), 1841-1927","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Hardin, Daniel M. 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Letter regards daily life in the 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including troop movements and enemy locations.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c03","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c03"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01_c03","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01","parent_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_556_c01"],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to sister","title_ssm":["Letter to sister"],"title_tesim":["Letter to sister"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to sister, 1861"],"text":["Letter to sister, 1861","James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th","English","Camp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain\nOct. 3rd/61","My Dear Sister:\nI wrote you some days ago from Meadow Bluff but did not get an opportunity to send it. When I wrote it we were under orders to march the next morning, where I did not know- but now, as I am at our journeys end I can tell you. We are encamped in full view of the enemy. We being on the Eastern or first top of Big Sewell Mountain and they being on the Western or second top- the mountain having two tops about one and a half miles apart with a deep ravine between. We are now in close quarters certain- so much so that we can readily distinguish them drilling with the naked eye. We can see everything quite plain. Since I wrote last a new order of things have come around. Gen. Lee now commands here. Gen. Wise has been superceded by Gen. Floyd and the two commands have been united.","Wise has been ordered to Richmond and has gone. Gen. Loving is here with his forces. If we have a fight Loving will command the right wing- Lee the centre  and Floyd the left wing. Our force has been considerably increased but is not near strong enough. The enemy's reported strength at their position on top of Sewell is twelve thousand (12,000)- but then they have nearly as many more between them and Charleston. So that our little force of two thousand would be no where without they attack us in position. One thing certain I don't think it will ever do for us to attack them with this force. But something must soon be done. We cannot remain in sight of one another long without something being done and what is more our men cannot stand it- being on half rations all the time all they get is three biscuits a day and a piece of tough beef- and soldiers can't live in this country where it rains every other day and cold enough to freeze them on any such food as that. We have had several very heavy frosts here. Last Saturday morning a soldier from a Miss. [Mississippi] Regiment was found dead in a wagon supposed to have frozen to death. It rained all Thursday night and all day Friday night very hard and it was as cold as January and the poor fellow not having any tent along with them (having in obedience to orders left them at Meadow Bluff) froze to death. But his is only one of many deaths that occur here every day. Poor fellows! They take sick and have no one to take care of them and die from neglect. You can hardly pass a house without seeing a dead man and often you find them in barns and stables in the stalls where horses have been and nobody to bury them. I was told the other day by a man who said he saw three dead men lying in a stable and had been there so long they were actually putrifying[sic]- and I shouldn't be surprised if it were so- every house from here to the White Sul. [Sulfur] is a hospital. I should like to see some of those Manassas boys out here awhile- they would see some to grumble at.","There is to be a decisive battle fought here ere long whether we shall winter in Charleston or not and I don't care how soon for I am tired undergoing such hardships and doing nothing. I want to get into better quarters somewhere. I don't care where much- can't get as much as a hand full of hay- have to lie on the cold wet ground (in fact nothing but mud) and get up in the morning with rheumatism and sore throat and if it was not but for Lottie's piano cover I would have had to taken it on the naked ground and I believe I would have been dead long had it not have been for it. But I still have pretty good health- have a bad cold occasionally but I don't mind that much.","How are all at home? I should like very much to see you all. Have you seen Lottie yet- don't you think she is a beauty? I wish I could see her now.","But I must close as it is getting too dark to see how to write. I long for a letter- do write very soon. Give my best love to all at house also Uncle [Jo Burns?] family and tell Mollie to write. Tell Aunt [Minta?] that I wish often for some of her good biscuits and chickens- tell her to be sure to write very soon. Direct to the care of Col. McCausland, 36th Reg. Va. Vols. Floyd's Brigade, Charleston, Va. and if we whip the Yankees I will get it there; if not I will get it wherever I may be. Best love to all- tell Uncle Jimmy to write often. Good Bye. May God Bless you my dear Sister in the prayer of\nYour Loving Bro.\nJames.","Written from \"Camp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain,\" Virginia. Letter regards daily life in the 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including troop movements and enemy locations."],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866","Outgoing correspondence, 1861/1865"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 October 3"],"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"component_level_isim":[2],"sort_isi":4,"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["James A. Harden papers, 1860/1866"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions"],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"names_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 36th"],"language_ssim":["English"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCamp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain\u003cbr\u003e\nOct. 3rd/61\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI wrote you some days ago from Meadow Bluff but did not get an opportunity to send it. When I wrote it we were under orders to march the next morning, where I did not know- but now, as I am at our journeys end I can tell you. We are encamped in full view of the enemy. We being on the Eastern or first top of Big Sewell Mountain and they being on the Western or second top- the mountain having two tops about one and a half miles apart with a deep ravine between. We are now in close quarters certain- so much so that we can readily distinguish them drilling with the naked eye. We can see everything quite plain. Since I wrote last a new order of things have come around. Gen. Lee now commands here. Gen. Wise has been superceded by Gen. Floyd and the two commands have been united.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWise has been ordered to Richmond and has gone. Gen. Loving is here with his forces. If we have a fight Loving will command the right wing- Lee the centre  and Floyd the left wing. Our force has been considerably increased but is not near strong enough. The enemy's reported strength at their position on top of Sewell is twelve thousand (12,000)- but then they have nearly as many more between them and Charleston. So that our little force of two thousand would be no where without they attack us in position. One thing certain I don't think it will ever do for us to attack them with this force. But something must soon be done. We cannot remain in sight of one another long without something being done and what is more our men cannot stand it- being on half rations all the time all they get is three biscuits a day and a piece of tough beef- and soldiers can't live in this country where it rains every other day and cold enough to freeze them on any such food as that. We have had several very heavy frosts here. Last Saturday morning a soldier from a Miss. [Mississippi] Regiment was found dead in a wagon supposed to have frozen to death. It rained all Thursday night and all day Friday night very hard and it was as cold as January and the poor fellow not having any tent along with them (having in obedience to orders left them at Meadow Bluff) froze to death. But his is only one of many deaths that occur here every day. Poor fellows! They take sick and have no one to take care of them and die from neglect. You can hardly pass a house without seeing a dead man and often you find them in barns and stables in the stalls where horses have been and nobody to bury them. I was told the other day by a man who said he saw three dead men lying in a stable and had been there so long they were actually putrifying[sic]- and I shouldn't be surprised if it were so- every house from here to the White Sul. [Sulfur] is a hospital. I should like to see some of those Manassas boys out here awhile- they would see some to grumble at.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThere is to be a decisive battle fought here ere long whether we shall winter in Charleston or not and I don't care how soon for I am tired undergoing such hardships and doing nothing. I want to get into better quarters somewhere. I don't care where much- can't get as much as a hand full of hay- have to lie on the cold wet ground (in fact nothing but mud) and get up in the morning with rheumatism and sore throat and if it was not but for Lottie's piano cover I would have had to taken it on the naked ground and I believe I would have been dead long had it not have been for it. But I still have pretty good health- have a bad cold occasionally but I don't mind that much.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHow are all at home? I should like very much to see you all. Have you seen Lottie yet- don't you think she is a beauty? I wish I could see her now.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBut I must close as it is getting too dark to see how to write. I long for a letter- do write very soon. Give my best love to all at house also Uncle [Jo Burns?] family and tell Mollie to write. Tell Aunt [Minta?] that I wish often for some of her good biscuits and chickens- tell her to be sure to write very soon. Direct to the care of Col. McCausland, 36th Reg. Va. Vols. Floyd's Brigade, Charleston, Va. and if we whip the Yankees I will get it there; if not I will get it wherever I may be. Best love to all- tell Uncle Jimmy to write often. Good Bye. May God Bless you my dear Sister in the prayer of\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Loving Bro.\u003cbr\u003e\nJames.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Camp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain\nOct. 3rd/61","My Dear Sister:\nI wrote you some days ago from Meadow Bluff but did not get an opportunity to send it. When I wrote it we were under orders to march the next morning, where I did not know- but now, as I am at our journeys end I can tell you. We are encamped in full view of the enemy. We being on the Eastern or first top of Big Sewell Mountain and they being on the Western or second top- the mountain having two tops about one and a half miles apart with a deep ravine between. We are now in close quarters certain- so much so that we can readily distinguish them drilling with the naked eye. We can see everything quite plain. Since I wrote last a new order of things have come around. Gen. Lee now commands here. Gen. Wise has been superceded by Gen. Floyd and the two commands have been united.","Wise has been ordered to Richmond and has gone. Gen. Loving is here with his forces. If we have a fight Loving will command the right wing- Lee the centre  and Floyd the left wing. Our force has been considerably increased but is not near strong enough. The enemy's reported strength at their position on top of Sewell is twelve thousand (12,000)- but then they have nearly as many more between them and Charleston. So that our little force of two thousand would be no where without they attack us in position. One thing certain I don't think it will ever do for us to attack them with this force. But something must soon be done. We cannot remain in sight of one another long without something being done and what is more our men cannot stand it- being on half rations all the time all they get is three biscuits a day and a piece of tough beef- and soldiers can't live in this country where it rains every other day and cold enough to freeze them on any such food as that. We have had several very heavy frosts here. Last Saturday morning a soldier from a Miss. [Mississippi] Regiment was found dead in a wagon supposed to have frozen to death. It rained all Thursday night and all day Friday night very hard and it was as cold as January and the poor fellow not having any tent along with them (having in obedience to orders left them at Meadow Bluff) froze to death. But his is only one of many deaths that occur here every day. Poor fellows! They take sick and have no one to take care of them and die from neglect. You can hardly pass a house without seeing a dead man and often you find them in barns and stables in the stalls where horses have been and nobody to bury them. I was told the other day by a man who said he saw three dead men lying in a stable and had been there so long they were actually putrifying[sic]- and I shouldn't be surprised if it were so- every house from here to the White Sul. [Sulfur] is a hospital. I should like to see some of those Manassas boys out here awhile- they would see some to grumble at.","There is to be a decisive battle fought here ere long whether we shall winter in Charleston or not and I don't care how soon for I am tired undergoing such hardships and doing nothing. I want to get into better quarters somewhere. I don't care where much- can't get as much as a hand full of hay- have to lie on the cold wet ground (in fact nothing but mud) and get up in the morning with rheumatism and sore throat and if it was not but for Lottie's piano cover I would have had to taken it on the naked ground and I believe I would have been dead long had it not have been for it. But I still have pretty good health- have a bad cold occasionally but I don't mind that much.","How are all at home? I should like very much to see you all. Have you seen Lottie yet- don't you think she is a beauty? I wish I could see her now.","But I must close as it is getting too dark to see how to write. I long for a letter- do write very soon. Give my best love to all at house also Uncle [Jo Burns?] family and tell Mollie to write. Tell Aunt [Minta?] that I wish often for some of her good biscuits and chickens- tell her to be sure to write very soon. Direct to the care of Col. McCausland, 36th Reg. Va. Vols. Floyd's Brigade, Charleston, Va. and if we whip the Yankees I will get it there; if not I will get it wherever I may be. Best love to all- tell Uncle Jimmy to write often. Good Bye. May God Bless you my dear Sister in the prayer of\nYour Loving Bro.\nJames."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain,\" Virginia. Letter regards daily life in the 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment, including troop movements and enemy locations.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from \"Camp at Rich Hill on Big Sewell Mountain,\" Virginia. 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He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia.","The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by James A. 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He is shown as Acting Assistant Adjutant General in the 2nd Brigade Army of the Kanawha in November 1861. He resigned and and was discharged on March 25, 1862 and became Acting Adjutant for the 23rd Virginia Battalion sometime in the summer of 1862. Harden was appointed 1st lieutenant and Adjutant of the 23rd Battalion on November 20, 1862. He was praised for \"distinguished gallantry\" at Droop Mountain in November, 1863. He was captured at the Third Battle of Winchester and held at Ft. Delaware, Delaware where he was released on oath June 12, 1865.","In 1880 Harden married Winnie Ella Berkey (1859-1921) of Buckingham County, Virginia and the couple had eight children: Susan Mary Harden, Annie Tupper Harden, David Humphreys Harden, James Edwin Harden, Mildred Lee Harden, Robert Edward Harden, Benhamin Bee Harden, and Dixie Mae Harden.","Harden died on September 7, 1942 in Dillwyn, Virginia."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJames A. Harden papers, 1860-1866. MS-0476. 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