Boulding Green [Bowling Green] Jan 2nd 1863
Dear Bro
How is [Eleanor] getting? Has Sid Rice left him yet he has not gotten to camp. I can buy some little things [?] her such as patterns, thread, needles, fish hooks, etc. but I do not know how to get them up.
Carry on as though I was there any thing that you do I will be satisfied with.
Woodville, June 19th 1863
Dear Bro,
New Market, Nov 7 1863
Dear Brother
The folks here are tolerable with little Emma is threatened with croup this evening. She still talks of you at times as being at grandfather Rodeses. Billy has been unwell for a week on too but is better for a few days and passed through he looks thin, and badly. He and Mr. Strayer went fishing today, but did not catch any fish. This is the second days fishing Mr. S has had this week without getting any, but he seems in good spirits and speaks of going again. Mr. O, Miss Janine and the rest of us are very well. I feel very tired. I have been boiling soap today.
I regret very much to tell you that John Reid, Bob Tidler, and John Millan were captured by the Yankees. They were sent out on a scout by Capt. Nelson and I suppose ventured too far, it is reported that they were captured beyond Winchester near or at Woods factory. Their have been so many different rumors about them one scarcely knew what to believe. One day report would be they were captured and another day they were not but I believe it is now confirmed. I feel very sorry for Mrs. Reid they say she is almost inconsolable. I have not seen Miss Bettie for some time she was out at Rosenbergers whilst Sallie was their. she spoke of having had a nice time. I have not heard from your friend Miss Emma except through Mrs. Miller. I always inquire about her she says Emm gets along very well complains of nothing but the cooking which is so different from what it is here. I expect to go to see Mrs. Coyner in a few days she has just returned from Augusta where she has been for some time. Miss Emma has not written to Sarah yet I do not think it likely she will as she has not done so yet. Mr. Thomas has not brought that flour yet but Billy saw him a short time ago and he promised to bring it very soon.
I am glad to hear there is a likelihood of your getting home at Christmas. I hope you will not be disappointed nor disappoint us. We feel anxious to see you and will try to have something nice for you. I wish sometimes you had some of these nice Fenwick or Bellflower apples to eat that you could have and some of Aunt Fannies nice bread and milk, too. The nice applies will soon be gone they are [illegible]. I hope you are enjoying good health and find your studdies less irksome. Wright whenever you have an opportunity. The time seems very long. The folks at home send their love to you. Mrs. Will wished me to remember her to you. I must close, accept the love and best wishes of your sister.
P.S. Please excuse the hastily and badly written letter, it is getting late and I feel very dull.
New Market, Va
Dear Friend Davy,
The Yanks are still at Martinsburg; they come up to Winchester every few days. The Winchester people think that the Yanks will soon make a raid up the Valley. The 6th army corps has arrived at Martinsburg. Have you heard that Lieut. Coyner has taken a wife? He and Bettie Read were married on the 15th. They started to Augusta, about half an hour after they were married. They were married at 8 o'clock A.M. They did not make much ado about it. George Killian was married last week to Miss Sallie Anderson; they had a nice time of it. I do not know of any one else who is going to get married shortly unless it might be Davy, but I hardly think he would get married as long as this war lasts. Davy - what do you think of the order from Cooper, for the substitute men. I heard some one say that Nelson would appoint you enrolling officer of this county if you would accept of it. I think you would have a good time; you could be at home the most of the time. If you can get the position, I would like to see you come over. What do the students who have substitutes say about going into the army. We cannon join new companies only such as were in service on April 16th 1862. Nelson is going to Richmond tomorrow or next day. Rupe is going to Richmond next Monday, if nothing intervenes. How does studying go since you got back? The sick of Thomas' brigade have all been sent away.
I received a letter from Casper several days since - he was quite well. Resser is camped about 5 miles from here. Gilmore is camped near Forestville. I must close as it is getting late. Write soon again. Yours & c
7 good horses $700.00
The above losses were all by the Union forces.
400 yds Cotton burnt
I assisted in the Federal Hospital three months in attending to wounded. Operated frequently, amputated several limbs, took up femoral artery in two cases, furnished medicines and other comforts to the sick and wounded.
[addressed to]
Preston LibraryVirginia Military Institute345 Letcher Ave.Lexington, VA 24450-0304