Richmond, Feby 10 58
Dear Leake
Truly yours
Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia
Dear Sir
Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862
My Dear Wife
Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he does not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He is conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love provided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve us in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards from the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml Tucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well & c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to Porter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to "run with patience the race set before," this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.
Monday Evening
Thursday morning
Camp Fredericksburg
Camp Fredericksburg
...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies "God bless em"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them "having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again." Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...
Camp near Verden
Lynchburg, Tuesday
Camp Near Verden
Sunday March 29 [1863]
My Dear Wife
Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days.
Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above.
I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor.
Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,
Beverly
My Dear Wife
If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at Philippi.
Yours in haste
Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly
My Dear Wife
Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.
If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.
May 1st 1863
I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton & Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.
The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) & also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for Porter and entire suit overcoat & c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--
Weston
My Dear Wife
We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed at Bridgeport & c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay.
Mason [Hisser] & Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely subdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.
At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them. Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.
Camp Kemper, Near Staunton
My Dear Wife
The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the Yankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes & Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.
You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.
Yours
Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let the advocates of plunder remember.
Richmond
My Dear Wife
Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.
Lexington, Sunday
My Dear Wife
I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.
Tell Mr. Newlon & Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.
Lexington, March 7 65
My Dear Wife
Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night.
Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard.
Truly yours,
Richmond
My Darling Sister
We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my letter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry.
I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.
From your affectionate
PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.
Richmond
Dear Mother
I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed & invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again.
I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.
Richmond
Dear Father
I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to be strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No!
Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I can, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct War. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.
I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.
Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition.
Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste.
From your affectionate Son,
New's Ferry, March 27th 1865
Dear Father
I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it.
It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days.
I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them.
I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.
Dearling Mother
I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.
I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother!
Your devoted son, Porter
Prison Hospital
Dear Mother
From your Affectionate Son
Dear Sister Allie
Preston LibraryVirginia Military Institute345 Letcher Ave.Lexington, VA 24450-0304