{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026view=compact","next":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026page=2\u0026view=compact","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026page=2\u0026view=compact"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":2,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":11,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Augustus C. Golding Papers","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2557#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2557#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2557.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Golding, Augustus C. Papers","title_ssm":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"title_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1859-1934","1862-1864"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1862-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1859-1934"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557"],"text":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557","Augustus C. Golding Papers","Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Augustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.","After the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915.","Other Information:"," Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame","Processed by Laura Odendahl in 1995.","A book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance.","This collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.","Golding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.","Golding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.","Golding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.","Golding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.","Golding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.","Golding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.","Marches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.","Golding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.","He is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.","He aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.","He acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.","The document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.","The document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.","The document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.","He rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.","He aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","The document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","Payment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.","Increase is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.","Newspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.","Begins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.","He grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.","Deposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.","Copy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.","Photostat of a printed dDocument.","Newspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].","Diary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.","The diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.","Box 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\".","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Golden family","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"collection_ssim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchased: 38 items, 07/18/1994."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["2 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"date_range_isim":[1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAugustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.","After the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOther Information:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["Other Information:"," Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAugustus C. Golding Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Laura Odendahl in 1995.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Laura Odendahl in 1995."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials:"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePayment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBegins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDeposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotostat of a printed dDocument.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBox 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\".\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.","Golding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.","Golding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.","Golding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.","Golding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.","Golding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.","Golding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.","Marches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.","Golding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.","He is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.","He aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.","He acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.","The document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.","The document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.","The document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.","He rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.","He aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","The document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","Payment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.","Increase is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.","Newspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.","Begins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.","He grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.","Deposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.","Copy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.","Photostat of a printed dDocument.","Newspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].","Diary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.","The diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.","Box 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\"."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Golden family"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"names_coll_ssim":["Golden family"],"famname_ssim":["Golden family"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T02:35:43.404Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2557","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2557.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Golding, Augustus C. Papers","title_ssm":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"title_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1859-1934","1862-1864"],"unitdate_bulk_ssim":["1862-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1859-1934"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557"],"text":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557","Augustus C. Golding Papers","Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Augustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.","After the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915.","Other Information:"," Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame","Processed by Laura Odendahl in 1995.","A book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance.","This collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.","Golding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.","Golding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.","Golding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.","Golding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.","Golding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.","Golding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.","Marches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.","Golding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.","He is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.","He aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.","He acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.","The document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.","The document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.","The document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.","He rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.","He aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","The document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","Payment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.","Increase is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.","Newspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.","Begins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.","He grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.","Deposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.","Copy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.","Photostat of a printed dDocument.","Newspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].","Diary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.","The diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.","Box 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\".","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Golden family","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 94 G56","/repositories/2/resources/2557"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"collection_ssim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchased: 38 items, 07/18/1994."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Campaigns","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Destruction and pillage","Equipment and supplies","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Hospitals","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Personal narratives","Regimental histories","Seven Day's Battles, Va., 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","White Oak Swamp (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["2 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["2 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Diaries","Financial records","Photographs"],"date_range_isim":[1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAugustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on November 20, 1833. He moved to New York and enlisted as a carpenter. Golding enlisted in the Union Army on November 23, 1861 at Fort Hamilton, New York, and served as a sergeant in Co. G., 1st Battalion, 12th U.S. Infanty, 1861-1864. He fought mostly in Virginia and Maryland, returning to Maryland three times between 1863-1864 to defend it. After two months hospitalization in Pennsylvania and a furlough in New York, Golding returns to Virginia in November 1864 to fight until his discharge on November 22, 1864 at Elmira, New York.","After the war Golding resided in Fordham, New York, until his move to Norwalk, Connecticut, on March 5, 1866. On August 6, 1886, Golding was appointed postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut. He died on April 8, 1915."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOther Information:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["Other Information:"," Additional information may be found at http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/published/wm/viw00028.frame"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAugustus C. Golding Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Augustus C. Golding Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Laura Odendahl in 1995.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Laura Odendahl in 1995."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials:"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A book, Official Army Register for 1863, in this collection has been transferred to the Rare Books Department of Swem Library. Item contains a listing of Union officers in the following departments: Adjunct General, Quartermaster, Subsistence, Medical, Pay, Corps of Engineers, and Ordinance."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGolding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePayment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncrease in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBegins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHe grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDeposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotostat of a printed dDocument.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDiary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBox 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\".\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection contains the papers, dated 1859-1934, but mainly 1862-1864, of Augustus C. Golding (also spelled as Goldin and , Golden). It includes letters, a letterbook, diaries, documents, pension papers, printed materials, and photographs. All items relate to Golding's service in the Union Army, 1861-1864, in Northern Virginia, on the Virginia peninsula, and in Maryland. Golding's letters to family and friends describe troop movements, battles, camp conditions, his health, a hospital, and the weather. Golding describes his participation in the following battles or their aftermath: Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Mechanicsville, 2nd Bull Run or Manassas, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. He occasionally presents his views on war, politics, and the destruction of Virginia's cities and countryside. He also gives financial and practical advice. The collection contains genealogical data on Golding's immediate family.","Golding acknowledges receipt of his father's letter; relates campaigns since Union army enlistment on November 23, 1861 under H.B. Clitz; immediate promotion to sergeant; spends months at Fort Hamilton; departs for Virginia with a stop in Washington D.C.; camps near Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and Alexandria, Virginia; rides a steamer to Fortress Monroe, Virginia; camps near Hampton, Virginia, Big Bethel, camp Winfield Scott; in charge of supply wagons left between Yorktown, Virginia, and Williamsburg, Virginia; joins regiment in Cumberland one week later; marched to White House, Cold Harbor, Camp Lovell near New Bridge, Virginia; builds roads during Battle of Gaines Mill, Virginia; at site of battle of Hanover Court House, but does not fight; pickets the bridges over the Chickahominy River; describes tents; marches toward Mechanicsville, Virginia; charges three times in battle at Mechanicsville; falls back when flanked at Savage's Station, Virginia; marches through White Oak Swamp; attack by Confederates; resumes march toward the James River; sees Gen. McClellan; Confederate attack; repels attack and remains as the last brigade on the field; then falls back to a location that is not healthy; receives letters from Caroline and Sarah; acts as Commissary Sergeant; will write to NY for a commission; Major wounded.","Golding relates campaigns from July 3, 1862 to October 31, 1862; describes duties as acting and full commissary sergeant; President Lincoln reviews division; receives six months pay long due; orders to reduce officers' baggage; pillage of the Charles City Court House records; views remains of slave shot for attempting an escape to Confederate lines; Camps at Williamsburg, Big Bethel, Newport News, Fortress Monroe, and Fredericksburg on the way to Manassas Junction; fights at second Bull Run; retreats to Centerville, Virginia; marches to Frederick [sic] City, Maryland; hears the battle on South Mountain and Antietam, Maryland; describes dead on battlefield; President Lincoln reviews division; marches to White Plains.","Golding describes route taken from Fort Hamilton, New York to Fortress Monroe, Virginia with stops at Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.; regiment under Gen. Sykes' brigade; camps near Hampton, Virginia; drills often, and out of money; moves camp to Big Bethel, Virginia, and then to Camp Marion, Virginia; describes vigilant atmosphere in camps; marches to Camp Winfield Scott, Virginia; strict orders for silence; feels slighted when regiment did not receive four months pay; Confederate shell almost hit him; marches toward Richmond; in charge of guarding wagons; joins regiment a week later at Cumberland Landing; takes over Hanover Courthouse; engages Confederates in battle on road to Mechanicsville; retreats three miles; attests to Zouaves' skill; retreats to Savages Station; marches through White Oak Swamp, Virginia; needs water and sleep; marches across Malvern Hills; retreats from battle; next day advances in battle; writes letter home but can not send it until he arrives at Harrison's Landing.","Golding acknowledges receipt of father's letter; describes route taken from Harrison Landing to Sharpsburg; arrives a few days after Battle of Antietam; describes dead strewn in streets and heaped on battlefield; rides Manassas railroad from Harpers Ferry to Warrenton, Virginia; marches to Stafford Court House, Virginia - eight miles from Aquia Creek; Gen. Butterfield in command of his corps, replacing Gen. Porter; Gen. Hooker commanding divisions; expects an attack on Fredericksburg; claims his health is good, and current weight is 180 lbs.","Golding is at Warrenton, Virginia. Gen. Butterfield replaces Gen. Fitz John Porter as commander of the 5th corps; the 5th corps is a part of the centre grand division under Major General Joseph Hooker; camps at Warrenton Junction and Hartwood Church, Virginia, en route to Fredericksburg; Hooker passes in an ambulance; camps at Gen. Hooker's headquarters at the Henry House [near Potomac Creek]; marches past Falmouth, Virginia; on front line in attempt to capture Confederate batteries South of Fredericksburg; evacuates the city; investigation ensues over heavy losses; critical of Union commanders and outcome of investigation; chats with Connecticut friends; returns to Hartwood Church, Virginia; Gen Hooker takes over Gen. Burnside's command; describes furlough and desertion rates; takes a furlough to New York; President Lincoln reviews the troops near Falmouth, Virginia; another review for Maj. Gen. Fogliardi; local artists produce ambrotypes; Lt. Col. Paul takes command of brigade for a week before his promotion to Brig. General; Gen. R. B. Ayres takes command; crosses Kelly's Ford and the Rapidan River to reach U.S. Ford; enemy shells U.S. Ford but fell upon Confederate prisoners; corps covers retreat across river; heavy losses; term of service expires for 20-30 thousand men; camps at Banks Ford where finishes this letter.","Golding begins the letter when furlough in Fairfield, Connecticut expires; leaves Fairfield, Connecticut, and rests in convalescent camp; joins regiment near Fairfax, Culpepper County, Virginia; camps in Brandy Station, Bealton, and Fairfax Courthouse; describes wagon trains and supplies; marches to battlefield of 2nd Bull Run; describes remains from earlier battle; marches to Gainesville, Virginia, New Baltimore, Virginia, Catlett's Station, Virginia; then camps two miles from Warrenton Junction and one mile from Three Mile Station at time of the letter; describes expeditions prior to his furlough in Fairfield [Connecticut], but after his last letter written in June 1863, marches 31 miles from Bank's Ford to Manassas Junction with stops at Hartwood Church and Brentville; continues march to Gum Springs, Centerville, Aldie, Leesburgh, Edwards Ferry and White Oak Springs; Gen. Meade takes command of Army; marches into Union territory through Frederick City, Maryland, Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; enters hospital; reports good weather lately.","Marches from Three Mile Station, Virginia, along the Orange and Alexandria railroad toward the Rappahannock River; Confederates open fire to prevent crossing; marches through woods to join right flank after Confederates driven across the Rappahannock River; crosses river at Kelly's Ford, Virginia; dispatch from Gen. Grant announces capture of Lookout Mt., Tenn.; crosses the Rapidan River at Culpepper Mine Ford; Confederates capture ammunition and ambulance train during march to Gordonsville, Virginia; fighting ensues and powder in wagons explodes; retreats to Roberson's Tavern, Virginia; crosses back over the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, Virginia; also crosses back over the Rappahannock River; camps at Bealton, Virginia and then at Kettle Run, Virginia]; expresses concern over possible capture by the Confederates; receives pay.","Golding is at present camps west of the Weldon Rail Road after a month near the Weldon Rail Road; and three weeks on the east side of the Weldon Rail Road; relates adventures from last May to the present date; crosses the Rapidan River under fire; presents statistics on losses, discharges and new recruits; does not want to winter at this camp; claims only a minority of the army supports Lincoln as a candidate; gives opinions on new regiments; time in the army will expire in one month.","He is gGlad to hear good news about Golden through mutual friends; would like to meet him in New York; asks if he may read Golden's diary of the 12th Regiment during the Civil War.","He aAcknowledges receipt of Golding's last letter; will write to Capt. Robinson; will tell his brother Harry about Golding's letter; relates news on mutual acquaintances including John Faub, Mr. Bolton, Capt. Stanhope; would like to get in touch with Gen. Hayes, if still alive; intends to obtain from Gen. Hayes in writing what he said to him on the battlefield the day before Hayes was captured; hopes to receive more letters from Golding, and maybe even a visit.","He acknowledges receipt of Golding's letter from February 21; sorry to learn of Golding's illness; describes his own poor health; worries about losing his memories of the Civil War; angry at the pension office; will send off pension affadavit for Golding soon; also angry at the system of promotions; apologizes for long overdue letter; wife and family send their regards to Mr. and Mrs. Golding.","The document describes Augustus C. Golding's injury; army wagon ran over his foot en route to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; at hospital from July 2, 1863 to September 26, 1863; took over Golding's duties as Commissary Sergeant in addition to his own as Quartermaster Sergeant.","The document promises $75 payment plus interest to Daniel Golden; in accordance with Chap. 176 of the Laws of 1859; sSigned by Frederick Townsend, Adjunct General and George F. Sherman, Inspector General.","The document rRequests reimbursement for $75 worth of clothing confiscated during War of 1812. The late Daniel Golden received a certificate from the state of New York that promises redemption in accordance with the laws of 1859.","He rReplies to addressee's letter; claims the certificate from New York holds no value unless Congress appropriates the requisite funds to pay the claims; unlikely this will happen; certificate functions as a basis to apply to Congress.","He aAlready receives a pension; details vital statistics; place of residence at Fordham, New York until March 5, 1866, since then at Norwalk, Connecticut; form filled in and signed by Augustus C. Goldin. [Document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","The document details vital statistics; pension certificate number; places of residence; written on behalf of Augustus C. Goldin, age 78. [The document was not sent in; possibly a draft or copy.]","Payment to commence on May 6, 1915; rate of $12 per month; continue length of widowhood. Issued by the Secretary of the Interior, Franklin Knight Lane, and Commissioner of Pensions, E. C. Tieman.","Increase is in accordance with section 1 of the Act of Congress approved by the President Wilson] on September 8, 1916; commences on same date. Issued by Franklin Knight Lane, Secretary of the Interior, and E. C. Tieman, Commissioner of the Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?], Commissioner of Pensions.","Increase in widow's pension for Jeannette H. Golding, widow of Civil War Veteran, Augustus C. Golding; approved by Congress on May 1, 1920. Issued by G. M. Saltzgaber[?]), Commissioner of Pensions, and John Barton Payne, Secretary of the Interior.","Newspaper clipping.\tBy order of H. Raymond, Brigadier General, I. M. Phyfe, Adjunct, and A. B. M. Dally, Colonel.","Begins at Fort Hamilton, New York on March 5, 1862; ends December 27, 1863. not the end of his actual service]. no place.","He grants appointment of postmaster at Norwalk, Connecticut, to Golding; appointment lasts four years from August 2, 1886; emphasizes requirement of postmaster to attend personally to their duties.","Deposition by Ada Hanford Sherwood and Ruth Golding, [daughters of Augustus C. Golding, d. April 8, 1915, and Jeannette Hanford Golding, d. July 25, 1923]; details births and deaths of their paternal grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, and siblings; Augustus C. Golding died intestate. Drawn up by a notary public for the state of Connecticut, County of Fairfield.","Copy of diary from June 25, 1862 to July 27, 1862; describes an armed reconnaissance to ascertain whether Gen. Jackson's army was approaching.","Photostat of a printed dDocument.","Newspaper clipping.\tState of Maine dedicated a statue of Maj. General Oliver Otis Howard to mark his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania].","Diary entries span November 22, 1861 through January 26, 1863 and discuss his engagement in the Civil War.","The diary entries span June 7, 1864 through 1907 and discuss his involvement in the Civil war and the aftermath.","Box 2 contains spiral bound volumes of typed transcripts. The typescripts are of the diaries, the letter copybook, and specific letters to Golding's father and his \"Friend Sturgess\"."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Golden family"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"names_coll_ssim":["Golden family"],"famname_ssim":["Golden family"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T02:35:43.404Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2557"}},{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Civil War Collection","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2622#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2622#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2622.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Civil War Collection","title_ssm":["Civil War Collection"],"title_tesim":["Civil War Collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1856-1940"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1856-1940"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622"],"text":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622","Civil War Collection","Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Other Information:","The transcription project of  \"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"  is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them  available online  at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 .","There are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  ","Confederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. ","Oversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements.","The Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","The rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.","This is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.","Copy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.","Typescript.","This oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.","This folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.","Medical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.","Invoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.","Blank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.","Newspaper clipping and poem.","Confederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.","A new comic camp song.  Printed.","A poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.","The poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.","Poem.","A poem by A. Ryan.","A poem by Francis Miles Finch.","Notepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.","Photograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.","Photograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.","Photograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.","Photograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.","Photostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.","An engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.","Insert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.","Copy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.","This folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.","This folder contains the following: ","Map of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. ","Map of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.","Memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","Order originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.","General Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.","Piano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.","Facsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Printed copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Orderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.","Special orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.","Report of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.","Reports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.","This folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).","A blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.","Piece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.","The pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.","Letter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].","The booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.","Full title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.","Full title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner","Full title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.","\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.","Full title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.","Official pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.","Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.","Certificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.","Record of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.","The muster roll shows a total of $162.00.","The muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.","The muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.","Pay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.","Petition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.","Special Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.","General Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.","Guard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.","List of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.","Four booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.","Engineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.","Union engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.","Clippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.","Newspaper cClipping.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Civil War Collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Civil War Collection"],"collection_ssim":["Civil War Collection"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"geogname_ssm":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"places_ssim":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Acquisition information for material received after 7/13/2009 is available by consulting a Special Collections Research Center staff member. ","Purchased 589 items prior to 1941; purchased 12 items on 12/26/1941; received 6 items 4/7/1958, gift of Mrs. George P. Coleman including Acc. 1957.58; gift of J. T. Baldwin in 1971; gift of 9 items from Alberta J. Portergen in 1976; purchase from Henry Stevens, Sons; Stiles in 5/1980; purchase from Dana's House, Tx. in 10/1980; received 4 items in 3/1982; purchase in 9/1982; purchase from James Lowe in 12/1982; gift of 3 items from Ruth J. Staton in 5/1984; transfer from the US Military Collection in 5/1985; gift of John Weaver in 7/1985; purchase of 1 item from Howard Mott on 1/20/1988; purchase of 1 item from Bauman on 4/20/1988; 1991.58, 2 items as gift of Spencer and Ruth Timm; 1992.19, 1 item as gift of Ralph Poriss; 1995.06, 1 item purchased, 2/21/1995; Acc. 1997.64, 5 items as gift (copies) through Fay Savadge (originals in National Archives), 11/17/1997; 1998.04, 1 item purchased, 2/10/1998; 1998.24, 2 items purchased, 6/10/1998; 1998.47, 21 items as gift of Christian Vinyard; 1998.61, purchase from Ralph Poriss; 1999.18, 2 items as gift of David Upshur; 2001.17, 1 item purchased; 2003.23, 1 item.  unknown; 2003.23, 1 item purchased; 2003.58, 1 item;  2003.43, 1 item purchased; 2003.55, 1 item purchased; 2003.57, 1 item purchased; 2003.58, 1 item purchased; 2004.06, 1 item purchased; 2004.40, 1 item purchased; 2004.41, 1 item purchased; 2004.57, 1 item purchased; 2005.59, 1 item purchased; 2006.13, 1 item purchased; 2006.57, 1 item purchased; 2006.64, 1 item purchased; 2006.71, 1 item purchased. 2008.41, 1 item purchased. 2010.399, gift of Philip Hairston Seawell, per Gene L. Hardin."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["3 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["3 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"date_range_isim":[1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOther Information:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe transcription project of \u003cextref linktype=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onrequest\" href=\"https://swem.wm.edu/news/fights-rights\"\u003e\"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"\u003c/extref\u003e is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them \u003cextref linktype=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onrequest\" href=\"http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1\"\u003eavailable online\u003c/extref\u003e at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 .\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["Other Information:","The transcription project of  \"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"  is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them  available online  at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 ."],"originalsloc_heading_ssm":["Existence and Location of Originals","Existence and Location of Originals"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCivil War Collection, Special Collections Research Center, W\u0026amp;M Libraries, William \u0026amp; Mary\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Civil War Collection, Special Collections Research Center, W\u0026M Libraries, William \u0026 Mary"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eConfederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["There are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  ","Confederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. ","Oversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMedical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping and poem.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA new comic camp song.  Printed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by A. Ryan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by Francis Miles Finch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNotepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInsert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains the following: \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMap of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMap of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMemorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrder originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePiano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFacsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrinted copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePiece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficial pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAndrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecord of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll shows a total of $162.00.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePetition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGuard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eList of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFour booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnion engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper cClipping.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","The rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.","This is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.","Copy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.","Typescript.","This oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.","This folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.","Medical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.","Invoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.","Blank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.","Newspaper clipping and poem.","Confederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.","A new comic camp song.  Printed.","A poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.","The poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.","Poem.","A poem by A. Ryan.","A poem by Francis Miles Finch.","Notepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.","Photograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.","Photograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.","Photograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.","Photograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.","Photostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.","An engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.","Insert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.","Copy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.","This folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.","This folder contains the following: ","Map of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. ","Map of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.","Memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","Order originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.","General Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.","Piano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.","Facsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Printed copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Orderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.","Special orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.","Report of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.","Reports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.","This folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).","A blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.","Piece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.","The pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.","Letter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].","The booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.","Full title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.","Full title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner","Full title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.","\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.","Full title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.","Official pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.","Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.","Certificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.","Record of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.","The muster roll shows a total of $162.00.","The muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.","The muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.","Pay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.","Petition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.","Special Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.","General Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.","Guard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.","List of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.","Four booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.","Engineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.","Union engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.","Clippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.","Newspaper cClipping."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":170,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T14:07:55.426Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2622","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2622.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Civil War Collection","title_ssm":["Civil War Collection"],"title_tesim":["Civil War Collection"],"unitdate_ssm":["1856-1940"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1856-1940"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622"],"text":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622","Civil War Collection","Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Other Information:","The transcription project of  \"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"  is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them  available online  at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 .","There are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  ","Confederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. ","Oversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements.","The Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","The rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.","This is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.","Copy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.","Typescript.","This oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.","This folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.","Medical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.","Invoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.","Blank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.","Newspaper clipping and poem.","Confederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.","A new comic camp song.  Printed.","A poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.","The poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.","Poem.","A poem by A. Ryan.","A poem by Francis Miles Finch.","Notepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.","Photograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.","Photograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.","Photograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.","Photograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.","Photostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.","An engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.","Insert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.","Copy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.","This folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.","This folder contains the following: ","Map of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. ","Map of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.","Memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","Order originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.","General Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.","Piano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.","Facsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Printed copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Orderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.","Special orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.","Report of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.","Reports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.","This folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).","A blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.","Piece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.","The pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.","Letter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].","The booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.","Full title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.","Full title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner","Full title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.","\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.","Full title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.","Official pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.","Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.","Certificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.","Record of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.","The muster roll shows a total of $162.00.","The muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.","The muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.","Pay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.","Petition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.","Special Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.","General Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.","Guard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.","List of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.","Four booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.","Engineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.","Union engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.","Clippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.","Newspaper cClipping.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 39.1 C76","/repositories/2/resources/2622"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Civil War Collection"],"collection_title_tesim":["Civil War Collection"],"collection_ssim":["Civil War Collection"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"geogname_ssm":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"places_ssim":["Camp Allen (Jamestown Island, Va.)","Jamestown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Surry County (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Vicksburg (Miss.)--History","Virginia--History","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Williamsburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Yorktown (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Acquisition information for material received after 7/13/2009 is available by consulting a Special Collections Research Center staff member. ","Purchased 589 items prior to 1941; purchased 12 items on 12/26/1941; received 6 items 4/7/1958, gift of Mrs. George P. Coleman including Acc. 1957.58; gift of J. T. Baldwin in 1971; gift of 9 items from Alberta J. Portergen in 1976; purchase from Henry Stevens, Sons; Stiles in 5/1980; purchase from Dana's House, Tx. in 10/1980; received 4 items in 3/1982; purchase in 9/1982; purchase from James Lowe in 12/1982; gift of 3 items from Ruth J. Staton in 5/1984; transfer from the US Military Collection in 5/1985; gift of John Weaver in 7/1985; purchase of 1 item from Howard Mott on 1/20/1988; purchase of 1 item from Bauman on 4/20/1988; 1991.58, 2 items as gift of Spencer and Ruth Timm; 1992.19, 1 item as gift of Ralph Poriss; 1995.06, 1 item purchased, 2/21/1995; Acc. 1997.64, 5 items as gift (copies) through Fay Savadge (originals in National Archives), 11/17/1997; 1998.04, 1 item purchased, 2/10/1998; 1998.24, 2 items purchased, 6/10/1998; 1998.47, 21 items as gift of Christian Vinyard; 1998.61, purchase from Ralph Poriss; 1999.18, 2 items as gift of David Upshur; 2001.17, 1 item purchased; 2003.23, 1 item.  unknown; 2003.23, 1 item purchased; 2003.58, 1 item;  2003.43, 1 item purchased; 2003.55, 1 item purchased; 2003.57, 1 item purchased; 2003.58, 1 item purchased; 2004.06, 1 item purchased; 2004.40, 1 item purchased; 2004.41, 1 item purchased; 2004.57, 1 item purchased; 2005.59, 1 item purchased; 2006.13, 1 item purchased; 2006.57, 1 item purchased; 2006.64, 1 item purchased; 2006.71, 1 item purchased. 2008.41, 1 item purchased. 2010.399, gift of Philip Hairston Seawell, per Gene L. Hardin."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Blackwater, Battle of, 1863","College of William and Mary--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Confederate States of America. Army. Virginia Infantry Regiment, 14th","Culpeper County (Va.)--History--19th century","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gloucester County (Va.)--History--19th century","Hampton (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Louisa County (Va.)--History--19th century","Military pensions.","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","Petersburg (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Philosophy and religion","Political cartoons","Portsmouth (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Suffolk, Battle of, Va., 1863","Surry County (Va.)--History--19th century","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Maps","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations--Confederate States","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Poetry","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Regimental histories--Army of the Potomac","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Songs and music","United States. Army--Supplies and stores","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 142nd (1861-1865)","United States. Army. New York Volunteers, 55th. Company C","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st","United States. Navy--History--Civil War","Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["3 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["3 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Account books","Drawings and graphics","Financial records","Maps","Maps--United States","Orders (military records)","Poems","Publications","Receipts (financial records)","Rosters","Transcripts","Virginia--Maps","Watercolors (drawings)"],"date_range_isim":[1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eOther Information:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe transcription project of \u003cextref linktype=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onrequest\" href=\"https://swem.wm.edu/news/fights-rights\"\u003e\"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"\u003c/extref\u003e is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them \u003cextref linktype=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onrequest\" href=\"http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1\"\u003eavailable online\u003c/extref\u003e at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 .\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["Other Information:","The transcription project of  \"From Fights to Rights: The Long Road to a More Perfect Union\"  is a massive effort by volunteers to transcribe thousands of manuscripts such as diaries and letters from Special Collections and make them  available online  at http://scrcdigital.swem.wm.edu/collections/show/1 ."],"originalsloc_heading_ssm":["Existence and Location of Originals","Existence and Location of Originals"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCivil War Collection, Special Collections Research Center, W\u0026amp;M Libraries, William \u0026amp; Mary\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Civil War Collection, Special Collections Research Center, W\u0026M Libraries, William \u0026 Mary"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eConfederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["There are numerous small collections that contain the personal correspondence of soldiers and civilians involved in the Civil War. Please see individual collections in the range of SC 00277-SC 00446.  ","Confederate Currency Collection, MS 00015. ","Oversize Virgina maps: Buckholtz 1858 Railroads of Virgina and the West and Johnston 1862 map of Virginia, depicting cities, principle towns, railroads, rivers, canals and other internal movements."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTypescript.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMedical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper clipping and poem.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA new comic camp song.  Printed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by A. Ryan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA poem by Francis Miles Finch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNotepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePhotostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInsert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCopy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains the following: \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMap of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMap of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMemorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrder originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePiano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFacsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrinted copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOrderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePiece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFull title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOfficial pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAndrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecord of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll shows a total of $162.00.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePetition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGuard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eList of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFour booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eManuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnion engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eClippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNewspaper cClipping.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Civil War Collection is an artificial collection of material, chiefly 1861-1865, pertaining to the American Civil War including items from both Union and Confederate forces. The collection includes official correspondence, general and special orders, descriptions of campaigns and battles, articles concerning the war, and artifacts. There are pardons, poems, songs, autographs, maps, muster rolls, pen and ink sketches of camp life, engineers' drawings, and a memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","The rolls of Captain W.H. Crank's Company and Captain R.B. Boston's Company, 5th Virginia Cavalry, CSA, display a record of equipment issued men. Bound volume.","This is the oll of the 11th Regiment of VA Volunteers, commanded by D.G. Houston, Jr.","Copy of a list of members of the 13th Virginia Infantry, Company D, as part of the Law Order Book of Louisa County, Virginia. Photostat.","Typescript.","This oversize folder contains various pay vouchers, checks, and receipts in addition to the Treasurer of the Confederate States Checkbook. The checkbook, dated January- March 1865, shows payments to railroads, steamboats, etc. Many are under the Flag of Truce. A letter dated January 24, 1918 from Chas. Taylor, Jr., of The Boston Globe to Secretary, Loyal Legion, Boston, Mass., offers the checkbook of the Treasury of the Confederate States as a gift. Included is a note of acceptance by H.M. Rogers.","This folder contains papers relating to quartermasters stores, including correspondence with Quartermaster General M.C. Meigs and inventories of supplies on hand at Chattanooga, Tenn., and Vicksburg, Miss.","Medical supply lists and invoices from the Confederate Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond, Va.","Invoice of Medicines, Instruments, Hospital Stores, and Bedding.","Blank Confederate military forms including two pages of passes from the Tredegar Iron Works, Richmond, Va. Native warrior woman imagry is printed on each form.","Newspaper clipping and poem.","Confederate Sheet Music. Words by F.W. Rosier and lithod by Geo. Dunn and Comp.","A new comic camp song.  Printed.","A poem by Judge George L. Christian of Richmond, Va.","The poem was written by Major Jonas of Mississippi and which includes a Confederate States of America $20 note.","Poem.","A poem by A. Ryan.","A poem by Francis Miles Finch.","Notepaper with cut of Fort Welles, formerly Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.","Photograph 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General Braxton Bragg in uniform.","Photograph, 3 1/2\" x 4 1/4\", black and white, head view of General. Sterling Price in uniform.","Photograph, 8\" x 10\", black and white, of Col. Franklin Hulse Clack (1828 - 1864), originally taken March 30, 1862 in New Orleans, LA, in his uniform of the Major of the Confederate Guards, Response Battalion of New Orleans.  He died April 24, 1864 of wounds received at the Battle of Mansfield, LA.","Photograph, 7 3/4\" x 9 3/4\", of aerial view of Surrender Field and monument, Appomattox, Va., taken by Underwood and Underwood.","Photostat of a Whitworth gun taken from Fort Fisher, N.C.","An engraving of President Lincoln entering Richmond, Va.","Insert of nine photographs showing various scenes on Tenn., Ga., and Va.  From Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, 1861 - 1865.","Copy of a lithograph of Gen. James Longstreet.  The original was published by Geo. E. Perine, 111 Nassau St., NY.","This folder contains receipts for the battlefield maps from Hoyer and Leudwig by William H. Smith, Richmond, Virginia, dated March 8 and 16, 1862.","This folder contains the following: ","Map of the Battle of Bethel, Va., dated 1861 June 10, by W.G. Lewis, cont., 200 feet:1 inch. Photostat. ","Map of Charleston and its Defenses, dated 1863 November 28, by . John R. Key, cartographer. 1\" = 1 3/4 mile. Photostat.","Memorandum of signals used by Confederate steamers when approaching batteries.","Order originating from the War Department, Richmond, Va., regarding the application of discharge for soldiers over 35 years of age and promotions due to seniority.","General Order from Major General Loring is included at the bottom.","Piano instruction book used as a scrapbook for newspaper clippings of General orders of the Adjutant and Inspector Generals' Office, CSA, Richmond, VA, December 31, 1863-February 28, 1865, and other military orders.","Facsimile of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Printed copy of Robert E. Lee's farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia.","Orderly book of Major W.H. Werth, 45th VA Regiment, including proceedings of regimental courts-martial, dated. December 10, 1861-September 2, 1862.","Special orders book (April 18-19, ril 1861) of the 4th Division, Virginia Militia, including a memorandum book, 1882 - 1883.","Report of Captain Peyton H. Colquitt, commanding at Sewell's Point, Va.  Typed copy. A clipping concerning the Sewell's Point engagement is also included.","Reports of officers concerning engagements around Fredericksburg, December 19-25, 1862. Incomplete.","This folder contains the aAutographs of John Brown Gordon, R.F. Hoke (2), Fitzhugh Lee, Stephen Dill Lee, James Longstreet, Will H. Seward (William H. Seward) and Benj. F. Butler (Benjamin Franklin Butler).","A blue bloth badge with an attached gold button engraved with the seal of Virginia.  Popular at the beginning of the war.","Piece of flag from Camp Winder Hospital, Richmond, Va.  The flag was cut up and divided among the surgeons, matrons, and nurses on the evacuation of Richmond.","The pamplet requests donations and support to create a monument to President Jefferson Davis. It originatesing from the Confederate Bazaar, Richmond, Va.","Letter from Isabel Maury, House Regent of the Confederate Museum, to Commander A.F. Grandstaff, Myers-Riddleberger Camp, Edinburg, Virginia. The envelope includes a blank application, C.S.A. roll of honour, and brochure of the Confederate museum [White House of the Confederacy].","The booklet, authored by Edgar Legare Pennington, is titled \"The Confederate Episcopal Church and the Southern Soldiers.\"  Reprinted from the Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church, Vol. XVII, pp. 356-383.","Full title: The Army of the Potomac \"Rally on Washington!\" - \"On to Richmond!\" Address of Hon. Martin Maginnis before the Society of the Army of the Potomac at its Fourteenth Annual Reunion, delivered in National Theatre, at Washington, Wednesday, May 16, 1883.","Full title: 88th Regiment, Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers: Address delivered at the Dedication of its Monument at Gettysburg, September 11, 1889, by George E. Wagner","Full title: Argument of Hon. William S. Kirkpatrick, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, before the Committee on War Claims, Fifty-first Congress, on behalf of H. R. Bill 750, entitled \"A bill to authorize the payment of damages sustained by citizens of the State of Pennsylvania from Union and Confederate troops, during the late war, as adjudicated and liquidated by the State of Pennsylvania, under the provisions of an act of the General Assembly, of the said State of Pennsylvania, approved the 22d day of May, A. D. 1871.","\"Confederate Banners\", a descriptive booklet by Mary Lynn Conrad of Harrisonburg, Virginia, printed by The Stone Printing and Manufacturing Co., Roanoke, Virginia.","Full title: History of the Battle of Gettysburg, presented with compliments of the City Hotel, to guests who use its facilities for driving over the Battlefield.","Official pardon and amnesty granted to William Ballard Bruce for serving in the Confederate Army, with facsimile signatures of Andrew Johnson and William Seward.","Andrew Johnson, President of the United States of America, granting pardon to George Blow, Sr., of Sussex Co., VA.  Negative and positive photostats.","Certificate of enlistment of Frederick Bushing, 5th Regt. Rhode Island Volunteers, dated October 11, 1862 at Providence, RI.","Record of recruits, 11th Regiment, Infantry, Ohio Volunteers.","The muster roll shows a total of $162.00.","The muster roll shows a total of $2025.00.","The muster roll of the soldiers and others attached to the hospital at West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The roll includes their name, rank, company, regiment, date that they were attached to the hospital, amount that they where paid, and by whom they were paid.","Pay vouchers made out to James Harris and Joseph Miller for services rendered to the Union Army.","Petition from Webster Co., Va. [W. Va.], for the release of Isaac Lynch and Samuel Miller who have \"done nothing against the union party.\"  Signed by Archiblad Cogar, Jesse Harrimons, Daniel Harrimons, Mark Harrimons,  Geocly [?] Cogar, Peter L.J. Cogar, Wm. Given, Isaac N. Gregory, Currence Gregory, James Woodzell, Robert G. Gregory, Francis M. Dobbins, Wm. N. Cummings, Patrick Carr, and Adam Gregory.","Special Orders, No. 44, transferring Capt. Ellis and his command from Fort Lyon to Fort Ellsworth. The orders are signed by Henry R. Dalton, Asst. Adjt. General, and by command of Brig. Gen. Amiel Weeks Whipple. The orders originated from Head Quarters, Military Defences, South West of the Potomac, Arlington, Va.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office.","This folder contains orders from the War Department, Adjutant General's Office. It also includes two copies of the blank military form, \"General Orders No. 64 from the Office of Provost Marshall\" which discusses rebel deserters who desire to take the Amnesty Oath.","General Orders No. 33 and No. 47, issued August 7, 1863 and October 5, 1863, by Robert M. West, at Fort Magruder, Virginia, concerning provost guard for the City of Williamsburg.","Guard reports of the 66th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, USA, at Camps McArthur, Candy, and Chase, and camps near Strasburg, New Market, and Harrisonburg, VA.","List of prisoners forwarded from the Kanawha District, W. Va., to Department Head Quarters at Wheeling, W. Va.","Four booklets of pasted newspaper clippings from the Daily Enquirer which show the view taken by Clement Laird Vallandigham and other moderates toward abolition and the war with the South.","Engineer's drawing of a forage house at Richmond, Va., by Bvt. Lt. Col. James M. Moors, Q.M.U.S.A. The drawing measures 18 1/2\"x33\".","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing Union and Confederate positions, drawn by Lt. Jencks of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers.","Manuscript map of the intersection of the James River and Warwick River showing the Confederate positions.  Drawn by Captain Barton of the 10th Massachusetts.","Union engineer's drawing of the permanent bridge over the Chickahominy River, Va., built by the Engineer Brigade.","Clippings from Washington, D.C., newspapers, including the Daily Morning Chronicle, describing conditions in Federal hospitals.","Newspaper cClipping."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 10th","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 1st","United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 22nd","United States. Army. Massachusetts Mounted Rifles, 1st","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 70th","United States. Army. Ohio Volunteers","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 101st","United States. Army. Rhode Island Volunteers, 2nd","United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 2nd"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":170,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T14:07:55.426Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2622"}},{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_426#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Jones, Edward R., Jr.","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_426#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eLetters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_426#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_426.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Jones, Edward R. Papers","title_ssm":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"title_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1898, circa 1992"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1898, circa 1992"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426"],"text":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426","Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs","35 items","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Edward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run.","This collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57.","Processed by Daisy Hougan in 1994.","Letters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Letters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Item 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.","Bound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia.","All audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Jones, Edward R., Jr.","English"],"unitid_tesim":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"collection_ssim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"geogname_ssm":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creator_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creators_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"places_ssim":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchase"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["35 items"],"extent_ssm":["0.02 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.02 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Programs"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["This collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward R. Jones, Jr. Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Daisy Hougan in 1994.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Daisy Hougan in 1994."],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Letters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Letters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Item 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.","Bound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAll audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials:"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["All audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"persname_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":2,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T14:22:09.553Z","scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLetters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eItem 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_426","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_426.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Jones, Edward R. Papers","title_ssm":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"title_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1898, circa 1992"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1898, circa 1992"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426"],"text":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426","Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs","35 items","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Edward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run.","This collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57.","Processed by Daisy Hougan in 1994.","Letters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Letters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Item 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.","Bound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia.","All audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Jones, Edward R., Jr.","English"],"unitid_tesim":["SC 01262","/repositories/2/resources/426"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"collection_ssim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"geogname_ssm":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"creator_ssm":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creator_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"creators_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"places_ssim":["Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchase"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862","Battle of Gaines' Mill, 1862","Battle of Locust Grove, 1862","Battle of Malvern Hill, 1862","Battle of South Mountain, 1862","Battle of West Point (Ga.), 1865","Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861","Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va.,1862","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Malvern Hill (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Peninsular Campaign, 1862","South Mountain, Battle of, Md., 1862.","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Programs"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["35 items"],"extent_ssm":["0.02 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.02 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Programs"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891,1892,1893,1894,1895,1896,1897,1898,1899,1900,1901,1902,1903,1904,1905,1906,1907,1908,1909,1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929,1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1987,1988,1989,1990,1991,1992],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. served as a private in Company K, 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Col. John M. Gosline's Penn. Zouaves). Jones served in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and saw action at Fredericksburg, West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["This collection was previously identifed as Mss 94 J57."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eEdward R. Jones, Jr. Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Edward R. Jones, Jr. Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Daisy Hougan in 1994.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Daisy Hougan in 1994."],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Letters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Letters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.","Item 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.","Bound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia."],"separatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAll audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection.\u003c/p\u003e"],"separatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Separated Materials:"],"separatedmaterial_tesim":["All audiovisual material from this collection has been moved to the Manuscripts Audiovisual Collection."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"persname_ssim":["Jones, Edward R., Jr."],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":2,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T14:22:09.553Z","scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLetters, 1861-1898, bulk, 1861-1864, of Edward R. Jones, Jr. of Co. K, 95th Pennsylvania Volunteers. (Col. John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves) written to his mother, aunt, cousin, and William Butt, Jr. Letters were written from Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. and describe camp life and battle, express his views on the war, and discuss family affairs. Includes a description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and Jones' part at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862). He also discusses battle conditions at West Point, Gains Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, 3rd Fredericksburg, and 2nd Bull Run. Collection also contains post-war correspondence discussing the war and an 1898 roster of Survivors of the 95th Pennsylvania., with Edward R. Jones then listed as living in Beverly, New Jersey.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetters, chiefly 1861-1864, from Edward R. Jones, Jr., private of Company \"K,\" 95th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers (Colonel John M. Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves), to his mother, aunt and cousin, William Butt, Jr. Letters are written from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and southern Maryland and describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield and express his views on the Civil War, as well as family news. Includes description of John S. Mosby's Partisan Rangers and his [ERJ] part in the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 23, 1862). Wrote that the battles in which they played a prominent part were West Point, Gaines Mills, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove. They were also under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run. Also included are letters from Edward R. Jones, Sr., to his brother Shipley Jones in Washington, D.C.; E. Douglass to her husband; Patrick Egan, Jones' company commander, saying that Jones was a good soldier; and Joseph H. Jones to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, giving up all rights to his space in the family cemetery plot. also included is an 1898 Roster of Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Edward R. Jones is listed on page eleven as living in Beverly, New Jersey.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eItem 1: Enlisting, 11 October 1861\n11 October 1861. E. R. Jones, Philadelphia, Pa.], to his brother, J. Shipley Jones, in or near Washington, D. C. His [ERJ] son, Edward, has enlisted in Colonel [John M.] Gosline's regiment [Edward is in Company K and the Captain's name is Heunes]; Edward will be leaving for Washington shortly and wishes to see him [JSJ] to visit him and to provide \"any little thing\" which Edward might need; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 2: Troop Movements, 18 October 1861\n18 Oct[ober 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Headquarters, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Kendall Green in Washington, D. C., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia]. Arrived early last Sunday morning; the camp is ten minutes walk from Washington and had been previously occupied by other regiments so that the trenches were already dug; there was a scarcity of water; left Philadelphia about six o'clock Saturday evening often a long march, much \"noise and confusion\" and \"an elegant supper\"; went next to Chester and Wilmington by train; crossed the Susquehanna at Perrysville and arrived at Havre-de-gras; went next to Baltimore, where his regiment had to march two miles to get to the other depot and saw \"but one or two flags flying and but little cheering\"; arrived in Washington, rested, and had dinner of \"a slice of hard bread and a cupful of weak coffee\"; \"Uncle Shipley\" showed him around and they visited the old capitol, which was being used as a prison, visited \"Uncle Shipley's home\"; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 3: Alexandria, 4 November 1861\n4 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Alexandria, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.]. Marched last Monday to Bladensburg, [Md.], six miles north of Washington; one guard shot and killed by a rebel prowler and two poisoned a few days before he arrived by a woman who sold them milk; the area is mostly secessionist and part of the \"celebrated\" Black Horse Cavalry recruited there; marched the next day through Alexandria, got lost, nearly got shot as they passed through Fort Ellsworth, being mistaken at first for the enemy, many men gave out and a baggage wagon broke down, and the others couldn't get around it, so they were forced to camp in the open air; attached at the moment to Brigadier General [William Buel] Franklin's Brigade, composed mostly of New York troops plus one Maine regiment; many were at the [first] battle of Bull Run and one regiment lost almost half its men in that battle; every day the same routine; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 4: Officers, 26 October 1861\n26 Oct[ober 18]61. E. R. Jones, Jr., Camp Kendall Green, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Visited with \"Uncle Shipley\" twice since the last letter and visited \"places of interest\"; was \"very much interested\" by the Patent Office; there are some fine private dwellings; although the public buildings \"are all that could be expected, of the city itself I cannot say so much\"; reviewed with seven other regiments by Brigadier General [George Archibald] McCall at Meridian Hill and did very well; accompanied the body of Colonal Baker to the grave and fired over his remains; flags at half-mast; the President [Abraham Lincoln], General [Robert Kingston] Scott and most of the Cabinet attended [Baker's burial]; regiment improving in discipline; commissioned officers good - Colonel was a captain in the state militia and a strict disciplinarian while the Captain was 13 years in the regular army; report of a battle at Newport News in which the Union was defeated and 100 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing but it was \"probably a hoax.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 5: Troop Review, 23 November 1861\n23 Nov[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin Will[iam] Butt, Jr., (Philadelphia, Pa.).  His regiment took part in a grand review and it was \"a magnificent spectacle\"; there was infantry, cavalry, and 20 batteries of field artillery; the President [Abraham Lincoln] and General [George Brinton] McClellan attended; expecting a ground inspection by Inspector General Davis but due to bad weather it has been postponed; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 6: Deserter, 13 December 1861\n13 Dec[ember 18]61. E[dward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Headquarteres, Gosline's Zouaves, Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Witnessed an execution of a private of the New York First Cavalry; the private was executed because he tried to desert but was captured by a Colonel of the Third New Jersey; finished framwork of logs; a soldier's life \"seems to agree with me very well.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 7: Skirmish and Disease, 26 December 1861\n26 Dec[ember 18]61. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  A man in E. R. Jones' Company by the name of William Geary accidentally shot himself and shattered his hand; Geary was taken to the General Hospital in Alexandria where his hand will probably be amputated; fought with some rebel forces from Annandale, who killed a lieutenant from a Jersey regiment and took two or three men from [Louis] Blenker's brigade prisoner; succeeded in driving them back before \"they could do any more damage\"; the first death in the regiment occurred last Sunday evening; the man died of typhoid fever and was from Company C; the disease is getting pretty bad in nearby camps; has caught a cold but won't go to the doctor because \"no one has confidence in the surgeon\"; had a \"very dull time of it on Christmas\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 8: Prisoner Exchange, 13 January 1862\n13 January [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Philadelphia, Pa.].  Are using rifles now instead of the old muskets and the rifles seem \"to be very effective\"; last Saturday there was a return of exchanged prisoners belonging to the 28th New York Volunteers, who seemed \"well pleased with their reception\"; two men came through camp under corporal's guard who had been arrested as  spies; has been taking the \"Bronchial Troches\" that Will sent and believes that they are working; cause of colds in camp was being forced to lie down on bare ground for lack of straw; have strewn evergreens on the floor of the tent, which made it more comfortable; no stove in the tent so are forced to borrow a pan from the cooks and fill it with hot coal, but are not always successful. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 9: Picket Duty, 23 January 1862\n23 Jan[uary 18]61 [1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Posted on picket duty at an old tavern that had named \"Hotel de' Continental\" which Jones called \"not very appropriate\"; got paid while on picket; food was not very good  but bought breakfast from the inhabitants of a farm house for only 25 cents; went back on Tuesday through mud a foot deep; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 10: Bad Weather, 25 January 1862\n25 Jan[uary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his Aunt, no place.    Detailed on guard duty yesterday morning; was very cold and it hailed; very muddy; thanks her for sending the box and assures her that everyone in the company is well cared for, with the possible exception of a young German named Nicholas Klink who has no family or friends. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 11: Disease in the Regiment, 1 February 1862\n1 February [18]62. Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, W[illiam]m Butt, [Philadelphia, Pa.].  William McQuay, \"an old comrade of mine,\" died of typhoid fever at the brigade hospital after being sick about two weeks; Jones helped bury him at the Soldier's burial ground in Alexandria, which had been used before as a cemetery in the War of 1812; small pox has broken out in [Henry Warner] Slocums' brigade, about a quarter of a mile away; the drum major in his [ERJ, Jr.] is in the hospital with small pox; the entire regiment was vaccinated; thanks for sending things to Nicholas Klink; has not seen any rebels in uniform; stove burned so well that it burnt a hole in the tent. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 12: Rumors and Bad Weather, 19 February 1862\n19 Feb[ruary 1862]. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his aunt, no place.    Received her letter yesterday; \"much excitement\" in camp due to the success of land and naval forces in the South; rumor that \"our own and General [Samuel Peter] Heintzelman's divisions\" are to move to Kentucky; desire to move against the rebels; can hear the booming of guns from camp; believes that if the rebels take a stand; \"the bloodiest battle of the war will be fought somewhere in this neighborhood\"; description of Nicholas Klink; received a photograph, which he believes to be very good and will \"prize it accordingly\"; have had miserable weather lately; it snowed on Monday; raining as he wrote the letter and the tent leaks; roads in terrible condition; has a terrible cold but is better than it was before; gives his respects \"to Miss Buckis and all patriotic ladies of your acquaintance.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 13: Wind Damages Camp, 24 February 1862\n24 Feb[ruary 18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., Camp Franklin, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Celebrated [George] Washington's birthday by firing salutes on cannons; the regiment did not celebrate as a whole but each company did something; some members of Company A made a \"tremendous bonfire\"; hurricane blowing outside; trying to prevent the tent from blowing down but doesn't believe that they will succeed; the camp is in \"a terrible condition\" because each company has two or three tents blown down; one of the sutler's tents blew down - it was a boarding house for officers and men; everything edible on the table was taken; the men dislike the sutler because he cheats them so they were glad to get back at him; he did not get any of the stolen property; a daguerreotypist's tent blew down; it had been used for those who wished to have their pictures taken; his camera and most of his stock was destroyed; wind increasing with sunset; the flag pole (which was raised on the 15th of February) blew down and took two tents with it; will probably go on picket next week; the last two or three weeks have been discouraging for the rebels but believes it will take \"several bloody battles\" before the backbone of the rebellion is broken; Mr. [Nicholas] Klink very grateful; in good health; receiving only scanty food - the fault of the quarter master sergeant. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 14: Jersey Regiment, 30 March 1862\n30 March [18]62. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], Camp Franklin, to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Picket duty, near Annandale; advanced on Fairfax, occupied by rebels; the advance, \"consisting of the Jersey Brigade\" under General [Philip] Carney [Kearny] drove the rebels out of the rifle pits, killing several, and taking about forty prisoners; the Jersey regiments went on to Manassas, where they expected to engage the enemy, but found it nearly deserted; marched on the 15th; on guard duty that night and it rained all night; reached camp at two p.m. to find the tents down and stove stolen; tent was torn in several places; serenaded \"General [George] McClellan at his camp half a mile away; McClellan honored them; only regiment in the whole army who serenaded him; said that \"...if circumstances should ever render it necessary for him to pick out a regiment to fight, and if necessary to die with him, that regiment should be our own\"; the regiment greeted him \"with cheer after cheer\"; thousands of troops sent down river, supposedly to Fortress Monroe; expects to join them soon; family news. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 15: Rebel Action, 2 May 1862\n2 May [18]62. Edward R. Jones, Jr., On Peninsula, 5 miles from Yorktown, to his cousin, William Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Marched to Warrington Station and back (over 50 miles); on the 17th, embarked to join [General George Brinton] McClellan at Yorktown; two days previously, some of [Hiram] Berdan's [1st US] Sharp shooters captured 16 rebels; one, an Irishman, claimed to have Union sympathies but was pressed into rebel servicse; the rest \"openly vowed their secession proclivities\"; at Yorktown, the sharp shooters and rebels are almost continually firing at each other; three of [DeWitt Clinton ?] Baxter's Zouaves were severely injured by an exploding shell while playing cards in the woods; one is expected to die; rebels used sheep to try to lure Union men out but it was not successful and so far, \"the sheep have suffered no injury\"; cannonading heavy last night; believes \"the most desperate battle of the war will be fought here\"; corduroy roads constructed; oyster and clams running out; received the \"Trooches\"; respects to Miss Buckis. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 16: Battle at West Point, 10 May 1862\n10 May [18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., 3 miles from West Point, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Enemy retreated from Yorktown on May 4th; disappointed because he wanted to capture or destroy most of their army; believes they retreated to prevent the Union army from doing so; on the morning of the 4th of May, were put on transports and arrived opposite Yorktown that evening; despite orders, some went ashore and returned with spoils of war; seven men from Massachusetts killed by a torpedo left by the rebels; on May 6th, sailed up the York River to West Point; sent to hold the enemy until General [George Brinton] McClellan could catch up with them; landed that night; orderly sergeant of the 27th New York shot by a rebel scout; on May 7th, learned that two divisions of rebels (General [?] Whitely's and [General] Gus[tauvus Woodson] Smith's) were only a mile and a half away; his regiment went out in front as skirmishers, supported by the 31st New York; two men died and several wounded; out numbered three to one, so retreated; fight became general; 31st New York loss was heavier, as they retreated by companies while Gosline's Pennsylvania Zouaves retreated as skirmishers, reinforced by [General Henry Warner] Slocum's Brigade; saw some terrible wonds; lay out on the ground all night and so was terribly damp in the morning; several were sick from exposure; two rebel deserters reported rebels to be very disheartened; five regiments opposed to his own at one time, including Hampton Legion [begun by Wade Hampton, became part of James Longstreet's Division] out of South Carolina, part of the Louisiana Tigers [a brigade headed by Dick Taylor or Rob Wheat's Louisiana Battalion, part of Taylor's Brigade] and the Texas Rangers; [General George Brinton] McClellan came through camp; request for more \"Troches.\" 8 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 17: Fighting, 26 September 1862\n26 Sept[ember 18]62. Edw[ard R. Jones, Jr., Camp near Sharpsburg, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Arrived at the Second Battle of Bull Run barely in time to prevent them being overwhelmed by the rebels; his division [[General Henry Warner] Slocums's] crossed to Washington on the 6th after retreating to Centreville, visited Uncle Shipley; marched towards the enemy; drove the enemy from Sugarloaf Mountain on September 10; September 14, attacked the rebels at South Mountain near Cramptons Gap [(Pass), Md.]; defeated the enemy; took 1,000 prisoners; lost 400 men; \"of all the terrible sights I have seen, I have seen nothing to compare with the battlefield of Wednesday...\". 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 18: Presidential Inspection, 10 October 1862\n10 Oct[ober 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near Bakersville, Md., to his cousin, Will[iam, Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Review on [October] 3 by President [Abraham] Lincoln; \"Uncle Abe\" seemed pleased by their performance; on the next day, the brigade was inspected by a United State Inspecting Officer; two days ago, he was assigned to guard Gen[eral John] Newton's headquarters; the rest of the regiment went on picket and are expected back this afternoon; the Confederates occupy the other bank of the Potomac River which at this piont is so narrow, the two sides hold conversations over it, his cold still continues; had some medicine and the \"troches\" did him good; mail irregular. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 19: Burnside Replaces McClellan, 22 November 1862\n22 November [18]62. Ed[ward] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp at Stafford C[our]t House, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].  Crossed the Potomac on Nov[ember] 2 at Berlin using the same pantoon bridge used by General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside a few days before; camped on the 9th at Pisgah [?] Mountain, used by [General John] Porter's signal corps during the last battle of Manassas; on the 10th of October, General [George Brinton] McClellan rode amonst the troops and was well received; the next day, they were paraded and his farewell address was read; the men are dissatisfied but no disturbances yet; enclosed is an old constable's warrant [not here] which he found in the court house; some \"marauders\" broke into the court house and threw the papers all around; detailed to remove the blockade thrown up by [General Irvin] McDowell's troops and to repair the road; this involved working out in the rain so his cold is worse; doctor prescribed a mustard plaster; received the \"troches.\" 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 20: Battle of Fredericksburg, 22 December 1862\n22 Dec[ember 18]62. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    On December 11, ordered to move to the Rappahannock; arrived and, about noon, the engineer corps began putting up a pantoon bridge; when they were nearly done, they were fired upon and ten died; upon hearing this, General [Ambrose Everett] Burnside ordered Fredericksburg to be shelled; enemy driven off and bridge completed; at break of day, his [Franklin's Grand] Division marched across; his [95th] regiment and 32nd New York were in the first line-of-battle; looked for enemy; General [George Dashiell] Bayard [since killed by a shell - died December 14, 1862] sent out a brigade of Pa. Cavalry; found the enemy - three or four killed and several wounded; infantry moved forward - three men wounded; on Saturday, \"a bloody battle was fought\"; his [95th] regiment not actively engaged; a rifle ball struck him on the belt; saved it; withdrew at midnight and marched across the river. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 21: Waiting for Orders, 17 January 1863\n17 January [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., Camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Received orders yesterday to march; three days extra rations were cooked and extra cartridges were issued, bringing each man up to 60 rounds; though they were going to leave that morning but as of yet no orders had been given; since the evacuation of Fredericksburg, the enemy has been working vigorously on the fortifications; would be impossible to move on them in the same way as before with success plus there would be a great loss of life; hopes that \"we will be more ably manoeuvered\"; hasn't received his letter of December 22 and suspects that, since it contained money, it may have been tampered with; thanks him for the \"Post\" and writing paper; constructed a shelter of logs and tents; chimney is smoking; regards to friends; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 22: Douglass Arrives in Salem, 11 February 1863\n11 Feb[ruary] 1863. E. Douglass, Salem, to \"Husband\", no place.  Arrived at \"Brother Lawrence's\" yesterday at 2:30 pm; \"met with a hearty welcome\"; arrived at Philadelphia, father learned that the boat would not be out until March 1, because of repairs, so remained on the boat until she crossed over to Camden; took the nine o'clock cars for Pittstown; arrived at Yorktown and found a car waiting, in which they had a pleasant ride; stage ride not as pleasant as she imagined it; \"Birdie,\" however, slept until \"Alloways Town,\" halfway to Salem; when there, the driver let her out to \"straighten\" herself; fell down five steps to the pavement with the baby; a gentleman saw and offered to take them to Salem; accepted and rested for two hours; had a nice tea; a meeting every night at Brother Lawrence's church; children well; love to everyone at home; will be home on Monday or Tuesday. 4 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 23: Camp Life, 15 March 1863\n15 March [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, [Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Supplied for the last two weeks with bread from Washington; came four times a week but not very fresh; last Tuesday, began to build their own ovens and expect bread from them next Tuesday; Lieutenant returned from furlough; there is a rumor that furloughs have been stopped but believes \"that it has no foundation in fact\"; received the \"post\" and the writing paper; had his picture painted and sent to his [ERJ's] parents; received a letter from Mary Anna - hopes that Uncle Bradley meets \"with more success at farming, that he has in his other ventures\"; going out to sing hymns with the rest of the party. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 24: Hooker Replaces Burnside, 9 April 1863\n9 April [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Reviewed on the 3rd by Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker on a field behind White Oak Church; the ground had originally been covered with oaks but have since been cut down and burned; snowed the following day; supposed to be inspected last Sunday by his brigade general [David Allen Russell] but it was canceled because of the snow; his own and the 3rd corps reviewed yesterday by President [Abraham] Lincoln about 3 1/2 miles from camp; did very well, although the ground was not in good shape; \"The President does not look so well as when I saw him last...He has a haggard and care worn expression\"; about six weeks ago, six men from company H were captured as they tried to desert; last Tuesday, the regiment was on dress parade and the prisoners brought out; the sentence of one [O'Neil] was read and he was condemned to be shot, before this could be done, the commanding officer had to consent which he did not do, instead ordered the prisoner returned to duty; weather permitting, they have target practice, company and battalion drills, and dress parade, which leaves them little free time; believes they will shortly move against the enemy; believes they will move to some point above Fredericksburg so they can cross and get to the rear of the works in and around the town; troops have great confidence in Gen[eral Joseph] Hooker; he used to have great confidence in [General George Brinton] McClellan but \"since I have read the report of the committee on the conducting of the campaign on the Peninsula and Maryland, said confidence is much shaken\"; received letter from Emma; still had a cough. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 25: Fredericksburg Events, 18 May 1863\n18 May [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam Butt, Jr.], Philadelphia, Pa.    Camped within a smile of old quarters near White Oak Church; suffered terribly in action at Fredericksburg; took 400 men into the battle, of which 175 and 13 commissioned officers were killed; nothing could compare with that battle; his corps [General John Sedgwick's] lost 4,000 men, of which his division lost most in proportion; drove the enemy from the heights but instead of staying there until they knew what was going on, they were ordered to immediately pursue the enemy; the enemy retired three miles into the country, where [according to prisoners] the enemy was reinforced by [General James] Longstreet; got on either flank, so were fired on from three sides; kept them at bay until evening and then left for the river crossing at Banks Ford at about 4 am; learned about his father's illness the day after the crossing; hear later that his father was slowly improving; his letter \"has still further eased my mind\"; applied for a furlough - the only question is whether or not the commanding officer will give him one; everything is ready to move; ordered to be ready to march at twelve hours' notice; thanks for the money; nearly \"played out.\" 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 26: Enemy Movements, 4 June 1863\n4 June [18]63. Edw[ard] R. Jones, Jr., camp near White Oak Church, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.    Received orders late last night to get under arms; at daylight were in line of battle and remained there until 6:30; three days rations were ordered cooked and readied to distribute; enemy are in force both on the right and the left, on his side of the river; the enemy may attempt to force the lines but thinks they will find it hard to do; \"the boys\" don't have much confidence in [General Joseph] Hooker but slaughtering thousands of \"our men\" for no gain does not \"promote light heartedness\"; very warm weather; lots of exercise the last two days, which weakens him; love to family; respect to inquiring friends. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 27: Guerrillas, 2 August 1863\n2 August [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, W[illia]m Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].  Detailed on guard on Thursday and relieved on Friday; had a general brigadier inspection; at six p.m. marched towards New Baltimore and camped around ten p.m.; changed camp a little distance yesterday; had a dress parade; brigade is detached to keep the road open and support their cavalry \"who are after [Partisan Ranger John Singleton] Mosby and his gang of guerrillas\"; Mosby's men wait to catch stragglers which they either take prisoner or shoot; Mosby captured a brigade staff officer; men want to hang every guerrilla captured; people in the area are \"entirely secesh. The men keep quiet but the women allow themselves more latitude\"; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 28: Enemy Movements, 4 September 1863\n4 Sept[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near New Baltimore, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received his letter while on picket, where they had relieved the 5th Maine Reg[imen]t; due to the sight of small squads of rebel Cavalry seen around the area, they kept a strict watch and were ready to defend against an attack but nothing happened and the enemy disappeared; relieved by the 96th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]; a member of company G of his regiment was taken captive by guerrillas; a member of the 121st New York was with him but escaped to bring back the news; believes they will move before long; enemy is believed to be helped by conscription; next battle will be bloody, he believes, but \"will be the winding up of this rebellion; five conscripts\" attached to the Corn Exchange (118th P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers]) were shot for desertion; still has a cold - the \"troches\" will probably help; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 29: Rappahannock Station, 18 November 1863\n18 November [18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp on South Bank of Hazel River, to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Participated in the fight at Rappahannock Station [Nov. 1, 1863]; his and part of the 3rd brigade were the only active participants although the rest were under heavy artillery fire; due to the hilly countryside, however, little damage was done; combined lost of his and 3rd brigade was 75 killed, 25 wounded; the four regiments making the charge lost the most men, being exposed to the musket fire the most; the 6th Maine suffered quite a bit - saw 26 of them dead on the morning of the 8th; it was \"a glorious success\"; Hoke's brigade of Louisiana and Hayes' of North Carolina were taken, numbering about 1,400 men; his regiment of about 300 men had to guard them until the eighth, when they were relieved by some cavalry; seven artillery pieces and seven stand of colors were taken; about three prisoners taken for every two engaged; on the right of the army; camped near the Hazel River; fort about half a mile away; picket established every night; Gen[eral Joseph Johnson] Bartlett (his brigade commander) taking charge of division in 5th corps; Col[onel Emory] Upton of the 21st south bank of the Rapidan and the papers say there are fortifying; says that this fortification is unnecessary as \"the natural position is stronger even than Fredericksburg\"; troops have confidence in Gen[eral George Gordon] Meade; rumored that he intends to change fronts; heard that the bridge over the Rappahannock was finished yesterday. 2 pp. Autograh letter signed.\nItem 30: Christmas, 26 December 1863\n26 Dec[ember 18]63. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, [William Butt, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.].    Reenlistment a question among troops; having received two letters from Mother telling him not to reenlist, he will probably not reenlist; had a nice Christmas dinner from a box received the day before; dinner was roast turkey with filling, cranberry sauce, mince and cranberry pie, and more; put the turkey bones over the door so that others would know that \"we had kept Christmas up in the old fashioned style\"; fixed in winter quarters and will probably stay there for some time; camp life uneventful except for occasional attacks by \"[General John Singleton] Mosby and his gang\" who will attack a picket of six men with about three times their number and run away as soon as an equal force comes out. [\"Mary Anna\" written on back]. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 31: Furloughs, 6 January 1864\n6 Jan[uary 18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his Uncle and Aunt, no place.    Most of the reenlisted men left for home early yesterday but without arms or regimental colors, which disappointed them because they had been mustered in with the understanding that they'd be able to take them on furlough with them; companies B and E allowed the privilege and will leave tomorrow; duty for the next month will be hard as the remaining men are expected to do the same amount of work; just relieved off picket; guerrilla bands are acting up again; one house nearby used by Mosby's band; didn't attack because they were outnumbered. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 32: Mr. Pillsbury, 16 January 1864\n16 January [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Mr. Pillsbury is mistaken about his having ridden in an ambulance - has never done it except once, about a year and a half ago on the march from White House to Cumberland; Mosby has even settled down; family news. 2 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 33: Boxes from Home, 14 February 1864\n14 February [18]64. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his cousin, Will[iam] Butt, Jr., [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Most of the reenlisted men have returned and brought back articles from home; a messmate brought a package from home; had a general brigade inspection followed by a review; second general inspection in four days; doesn't know the proper way to address a letter to Major [Thomas Worchester] Hyde; box probably destroyed or robbed after being delivered at Brandy Station; the Major probably can't be held responsible for it; about nine out of ten boxes delivered correctly - the loss of his was probably caused by the confusion of the army being on the march; on the 6th the 2nd and part of the 3rd Corps fought with the enemy near Germana Ford; nearly got a job as a compositor at Army Headquarters but was on picket so they detailed someone else; health good; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 34: List of Battles, 10 March 1864\n10 March [1864]. Ed[ward R. Jones, Jr.], camp near Hazel Run, Va., to his mother, [Philadelphia, Pa.].    Received her letter while on picket, where the weather was bad; exposure hasn't done anything bad to his health and in fact, he is feeling better; most in the regiment have colds; relieved from picket this morning; yesterday, four rebel deserters came into camp; another group was expected but didn't come; must be pretty disaffected to do this; Senator Wilson of Massachusetts working on a pay increase bill, so hopes to get paid more; companies B and E arrived on Monday and brought an ensign, presented by the Refreshment Committee and inscribed with the names of the battles in which they took part; battles in which they played a big part are: West Point, Gaines' Mills, Charles' City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg and Locust Grove; under fire at 3rd Fredericksburg and 2nd Bull Run; family news. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 35: Certification, 8 September 1864\n8 Sept[ember] 1864. Patrick Egan, Capt. Comdg. Co. K., 95th Reg[iment] Pa. Vol[unteer]s, camp near Berryville, Va.    Letter certifying that Edward R. Jones is a good soldier.\nItem 36: Burial Plot, 16 September 1894\n16 Sept[ember] 1894. Joseph H. Jones, no place, to his nephew, Edward R. Jones, [Jr.], Beverly, N. J.    Gives his nephew all rights to family burial plot at Ronaldson cemetery; \"glad to hear of your family increase\"; hopse is in good health; has had rheumatism for some years and only gets relief from homeopathic remedies; Sally and children send love to him and family. 3 pp. Autograph letter signed.\nItem 37: Roster of Survivors, 1 October 1898\n\"Roster of the Survivors of the 95th Regiment of Penn. Vols. - [Colonel John M.] Gosline's Pen. Zouaves.\"    Edward R. Jones' name appears on page eleven.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBound typescript transcriptions with index and summary compiled by Ralph G. Poriss of Williamsburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_426"}},{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Henry Campbell Miller Letters","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_8344#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Miller, Henry Campbell","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_8344#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_8344#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_8344.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Miller, Henry Campbell Letters","title_ssm":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"title_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1846-1883"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1846-1883"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344"],"text":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344","Henry Campbell Miller Letters","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","The collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. ","Henry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. ","Miller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   ","One of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.","The accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     ","Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"collection_ssim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"creator_ssm":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creator_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creators_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gift of Wright Andrews, Jr., 2018."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet"],"date_range_isim":[1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry Campbell Miller Letters, 1846-1883, Special Collections Research Center, William \u0026amp; Mary Libraries.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters, 1846-1883, Special Collections Research Center, William \u0026 Mary Libraries."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMiller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOne of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     \u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. ","Henry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. ","Miller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   ","One of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.","The accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     "],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America"],"persname_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":14,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:26:28.280Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_8344","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_8344.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Miller, Henry Campbell Letters","title_ssm":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"title_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"unitdate_ssm":["1846-1883"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1846-1883"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344"],"text":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344","Henry Campbell Miller Letters","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","The collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. ","Henry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. ","Miller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   ","One of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.","The accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     ","Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS 00273","/repositories/2/resources/8344"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"collection_title_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"collection_ssim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"creator_ssm":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creator_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"creators_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Gift of Wright Andrews, Jr., 2018."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863","Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864","Indigestion","Courtship--1860-1870","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 Linear Feet"],"date_range_isim":[1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eHenry Campbell Miller Letters, 1846-1883, Special Collections Research Center, William \u0026amp; Mary Libraries.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Henry Campbell Miller Letters, 1846-1883, Special Collections Research Center, William \u0026 Mary Libraries."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHenry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMiller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOne of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     \u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection consists of 33 letters and five envelopes from Henry (Harry) Campbell Miller to various members of his family along with 11 additional letters, estate documents, receipts, and fragments. ","Henry Campbell Miller was a student at the University of North Carolina from Pendleton, South Carolina who joined the 3rd Regiment of South Carolina to fight for the Confederacy in 1862. His letters detail troop movement, his opinions about the war, interactions with residents near his encampments, and give glimpses of his soldier activities to his family at home.  While Miller recounts a great amount of detail of regimental life, he also often recounts his many courtships with young women in and around the areas of his camps.  At one time he reports that a woman gave him a ring to remember her by but that alas, the courtship has ceased because he was no longer willing to walk the mile or so to continue to call on her. ","Miller participated in many of major battles of the war with his regiment, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Cold Harbor. He gives great detail regarding the poor quality of his shoes, especially with the long marches and he writes often about the rancid and scarce food supplies to the troops. Despite these complaints, Miller maintains a positive outlook and insists on his commitment to the Confederacy, seems content to remain fighting, and states his firm belief that he fights to protect the women of the South.  In most of his letters, Miller closes with a wish for his family to give his best regards to the African Americans (presumed enslaved) who live with his family, especially the house attendants. An enslaved individual, James, accompanies Miller for a large portion of his time while serving in the 3rd Regiment.  He returns home only for a short while to unburden Miller of unnecessary supplies while encamped.   ","One of Miller's letters laments the death of Stonewall Jackson and another comments on the easy time his troop will have once they learned that McClellan has again taken control of the Army of the Potomac.  During his service with the Confederacy, Miller served with his good friend, Tally, who was killed in battle outside of Atlanta in late 1863- presumably the battle of Chickamauga.  Miller, who was ill and diagnosed with dyspepsia was still recovering when news of his friend's death reached him.  Miller's father joined him for a short while and endeavored to find a substitute for his son so he could further recover and also to recover the body of Tally.  Miller Sr. was successful in recovering Tally for burial in Pendleton, but was unsuccessful in locating a substitute for his son.  Henry \"Harry\" Campbell Miller was killed in battle on October 13 at the Battle of Cedar Creek in Virginia.","The accompanying receipts, estate document, and letters concern Miller's father, Dr. Henry Campbell Miller and other family.  Of note is a letter written by Dr. Miller to General J. B. Kershaw thanking him for the photograph and note.  In the letter, Miller took the time to write admiringly about his son and his service to the Confederate Army.     "],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America","Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","Confederate States of America. Army. South Carolina Infantry Regiment, 3rd","Confederate States of America"],"persname_ssim":["Miller, Henry Campbell","Andrews, Jr. Wright"],"language_ssim":["English"],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":14,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:26:28.280Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_8344"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Johnson Family papers","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Eliza Johnson","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"text":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence","Letter to Eliza Johnson","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","English","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Eliza Johnson","title_ssm":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1862 December"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1862"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":6,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1862],"names_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr/\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr/\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#4","timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c05"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Eliza Johnson","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"text":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence","Letter to Eliza Johnson","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","English","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Eliza Johnson","title_ssm":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1862 December 18"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1862"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Eliza Johnson"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":7,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1862],"names_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr/\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr/\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr/\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr/\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#5","timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c06"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter  to Eliza Johnson","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence"],"text":["Johnson Family papers","Mortimer H. Johnson correspondence","Letter  to Eliza Johnson","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence","English","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter  to Eliza Johnson","title_ssm":["Letter  to Eliza Johnson"],"title_tesim":["Letter  to Eliza Johnson"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1862 December 25"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1862"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter  to Eliza Johnson"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":8,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1862],"names_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr/\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr/\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr/\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#6","timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_609.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00024.xml","title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1858-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1858-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"text":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609","Johnson Family papers","Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","The Johnson Family papers are available online","Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.","Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.","Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online","This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0341","/repositories/3/resources/609"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Johnson Family papers"],"collection_ssim":["Johnson Family papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"creators_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life -- 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1867","New Market Cadets","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","West Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Home life","Railroads -- Virginia -- Siege, 1863","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["26 items"],"extent_tesim":["26 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1291\"\u003eThe Johnson Family papers are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["The Johnson Family papers are available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eMortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Mortimer Howell Johnson (1815-1889), a lawyer, was born at Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia in 1815. He married Eliza Dulaney Kemble, born in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Johnson Family resided in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia at beginning of the Civil War, and Mortimer enlisted in April 1864 (at age 48) in the Rockbridge Senior Reserves. He was described as having a dark complexion, dark hair and eyes, and 5 foot 6 inches tall. He died on December 13, 1889 in Charleston, West Virginia and is buried at the High Bridge Presbyterian Church cemetery, Rockbridge County, Virginia. He was the father of Porter Johnson, VMI Class of 1867.","Porter Johnson (1845-1917) was born in 1845 in Taylor County, West Virginia. He matriculated at VMI on September 1, 1863 and was a cadet private at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Porter resigned from Corps of Cadets on March 6, 1865 and joined the 8th Confederate Battalion commanded by Colonel Garnett Andrews. He was captured at Salisbury, North Carolina on April 12, 1865 and imprisoned, and was paroled June 13, 1865. He returned to Rockbridge County where he was a farmer. He died on June 9, 1917."],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Richmond, Feby 10 58","Dear Leake  \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain ","Truly yours  \nM. H. Johnson","Brownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia February 2, 1862 C.W. Newlon, Esq","Dear Sir Expecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026 c.","Staunton, Sept. 20th, 1862","My Dear Wife It is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026 c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.  \nBelieve me truly yours  \nM H Johnson","Porter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026 c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair. \nTruly yours, \nM. H. Johnson \nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---","Monday Evening \nMy Dear Wife \nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----","Thursday morning \nMy Dear Wife \nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nMHJ \nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDec. 25th 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.","Camp Fredericksburg  \nDecember 29, 1862 \nMy Dear Wife \nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.","...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...","Camp near Verden \nJanuary 25, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--","Lynchburg, Tuesday  \nMarch 10, 1863  \nMy Dear Wife \nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--","Camp Near Verden  \nMarch 14, 1863 \nMy Dear Wife \nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours  \nM H Johnson \nMarch 15 63  \nMy Dear Wife  \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so","Sunday March 29 [1863]","My Dear Wife \nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. ","Since I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. ","Porter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. ","I think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. ","Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours, \nM H Johnson","Beverly \nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 ","My Dear Wife \nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. ","If Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. ","Yours in haste \nMHJ","Hillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly  \nTuesday April [28, 1863] ","My Dear Wife \nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026 Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.","Had Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.","If Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.","May 1st 1863","I was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026 Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.","The Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026 also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026 c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--","Weston \nMay 5th [1863] ","My Dear Wife \nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026 c. A large no of the Union men going with them.","We remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026 c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. ","Mason [Hisser] \u0026 Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.","At Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.","Camp Kemper, Near Staunton \nSept 23d 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.","The account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026 Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.","You have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.","Yours  \nM H Johnson","Fitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.","Richmond \nOct 11 64 ","My Dear Wife \nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.","Every thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.","Lexington, Sunday \nDec. 4th, 1864 ","My Dear Wife \nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. ","I had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him. \nM H Johnson ","Tell Mr. Newlon \u0026 Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.","Lexington, March 7 65 ","My Dear Wife \nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. ","Jackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. ","Jackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. ","Truly yours, \nMHJ","Richmond  \nJany 12, 1865 ","My Darling Sister \nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.","We are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. ","I was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.","From your affectionate  \nBrother Porter ","PS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave. \nGoodbye  \nPorter","Richmond \nFeb 5th 1865 ","Dear Mother \nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. ","I am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026 invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. ","I intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.","Richmond  \nFeb 23d 1865","Dear Father \nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. ","I feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! ","Then acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.","I think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.","Next I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. ","Please excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. ","From your affectionate Son, \nPorter.","New's Ferry, March 27th 1865 ","Dear Father \nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. ","I resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. ","It would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. ","I am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. ","I hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.  \nPorter Johnson","Dearling Mother \nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. ","I have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.","I have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! ","Your devoted son, Porter","Prison Hospital \nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 ","Dear Mother \nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. ","From your Affectionate Son  \nPorter Johnson esq  \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal","Dear Sister Allie \nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Johnson Family papers, 1858-1865. MS 0342. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1545\"\u003ePorter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market\u003c/a\u003e is available online\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Porter Johnson's memoir of the Battle of New Market  is available online"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTopics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards dress parades.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of 26 letters, bulk 1862-1865, from Mortimer Howell Johnson and his son Porter to members of their immediate family. The Johnson Family, originally from West Virginia, moved to Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia, although they maintained close ties to their former home. ","Topics in Mortimer's letters include civilian life during the war, the animosity between Union and Confederate sympathizers in West Virginia (the letter of April 28, 1863 discusses the Union loyalty of Stonewall Jackson's sister, Laura Jackson Arnold), the Battle of Fredericksburg and its aftermath (December 1862), the Jones-Imboden Raid (West Virginia, April 1863).","Porter's letters include a discussion of VMI cadet life at the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia where the Corps was headquartered during the last months of the Civil War.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter contains family news and comments on work of the state legislature.","Written from Brownsburg, Virginia. Letter regards the inflated prices of grain used to produce whiskey for soldiers.","Written from Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards family news and expresses concerns about high cost of food.","Letter regards family news and mentions woman who is a Union sympathizer. Letter also mentions that Porter Johnson is eager to join the army.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg and personal news.","Written from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family friends who have been wounded, refugee families, and a problem with currency.","Written from \"Camp near Verden.\" Letter regards family news and mentions situation in West Virginia.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter regards personal news, and inflated prices.","Written from \"Camp Near Verden.\" Letter regards family and business news.","Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Beverly, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid.","Written at \"Hillery's, 9 miles west of Beverley,\" West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid, West Virginia and the Union sympathies of Laura Ann Arnold (Jackson).","Written from Weston, West Virginia. Letter regards the Jones-Imboden Raid and burning of bridge at Fairmont.","Written from Camp Kemper, near Staunton, Virginia. Letter regards the Battle of Winchester, Virginia.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards general family, business, and Civil War news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards family and business news.","Written from Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards General Sheridan's location in the valley.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards life at the Alms House.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia, where VMI was headquartered from December 1864 until Richmond was evacuated in April 1865. Letter regards general news.","Written from the Alms House in Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards Porter Johnson's decision to join the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards Porter Johnson joining the Army.","Written at \"New's Ferry.\" Letter regards general news.","Written from Prison Hospital, Camp Chase, Ohio. Letter regards an order for release of prisoners.","Letter regards dress parades."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_5593780f55ffb147ac91bc6b6cf6a7b0\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Johnson Family","Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Johnson Family","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911"],"famname_ssim":["Johnson Family"],"persname_ssim":["Johnson, Porter, 1845-1917","Johnson, Mortimer H. (Mortimer Howell), 1815-1889","Arnold, Laura Ann Jackson, 1826-1911","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 (General subdivision: Assassination.)","Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":29,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-28T16:06:30.786Z","odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Feby 10 58\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Leake\u003cbr\u003e \nI received your letter this morning and was glad to hear that you are well and that you have made up your mind to be a good boy and learn to read and write, so that when I am away from home you can write to me for yourself. It would afford me great pleasure to see you and to have you here with me. It would please you very much to see the big brass horse on the Washington \nmonument. But Leake, if you will be a good boy and learn your book and acquire a great deal of information and knowledge, you can come down here yourself some day and see Richmond and all the sights that are worth seeing here. The legislature is working very slow and not doingmuch good for the country. The House is not in session yet this morning. At 8 o'clock I left my boarding house came by the Post Office and barber shop at half past 9 in the house and engaged in writing this letter to you. The house meets at 11 o'clock and adjourns about 3 o'clock, so that we get dinner at half past 3. Sometimes the house does not adjourn until later. You set down in the house with a comfortable cushioned chair to sit upon, a desk before you to write upon and it frequently happens that while a member thinks he is making a very fine speech, one half the members are engaged in writing letters or reading newspapers. I suppose you have heard of the fight that happened in Congress last Saturday. It was disgraceful to the Nation andthe men that were engaged in it are heartily ashamed of it. You are the first that mentioned Katy in your letters. I had almost forgotten her. How is Sam Burdett and the rest of the boys or have you been so close at home that you have not seen them. I want you above all things Leake to be kind to others. How would you like to deny yourself at table and refuse to eat, until you see all the rest comfortably seated. This would be true politeness, \nand you would soon learn to be happy in seeing others happy. This would soon afford you a great pleasure, and you would then learn to \"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.\" Hoping to hear form you soon. I remain \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM. H. Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBrownsburg, Rockbridge Virginia\u003cbr\u003eFebruary 2, 1862\u003cbr\u003eC.W. Newlon, Esq\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir\u003cbr\u003eExpecting you home in a few days. I have concluded to write to you again upon the subject of impressments and praying that something may be done, and that promptly to arrest the distillation of grain. Corn is now $1.12 and it would not surprise me if it reached $2.00 per bushel before the 1st of April. Ten barrels of whiskey were sold in this county a few days since at the almost fabulous price of three dollars per gal. If these prices are demanded and obtained for new liquor fresh from the still what is to \nprevent corn from being advanced before October to $5.00 per bu. Self preservation is the 1st law of nature and why should not that law apply to nations as well as to individuals. What will be our condition should the enemy push their raids so far into the interior as to destroy our railroad connections. If we expect to maintain our position, our stores of subsistence should be preserved. The North expected to starve us out when the war commenced. All that recognize a superintending providence had \ncause to thank the giver of daily bread last year for our unusually heavy crop of all kinds of grain. It was every where considered as an evidence that the Lord was on our side. Grant that it was so will he continue to be if we abuse his choicest favors-- if we convert ourselves into a nation of extortioners and have for our soldiers an army of drunkards. Grant as some contend that liquor is necessary for the soldiers should not a limit be placed upon the price of it . Liquor for which 3 dollars per gal is paid after running the blockade of the camp is frequently sold to the soldier at the high price of from one to five dollars per pint. If it is \nnecessary for the soldier it should be added to his rations and handed out under proper rules and regulations and every other person detected in smuggling liquor into the camp should be summarily and severely punished. Upon the summits of the Alleghaneys Gen. Johnson does not think it necessary to the health of the soldier and has with great diligence prevented its introduction to his camp. From what I can learn he has emptied of their contents more than fifty barrels in the last few weeks. This is seizing the bull by the horns . He is not tainted with that miserable fastidious delicacy of sentiment that is fearful of hurting somebody's feelings. He is entrusted with the defense of one of the important passes into the valley of Virginia and with a moral heroism equal to his fierce courage in the hours of conflict with the enemy he does not stop to inquire whether\nany body is hurt. How are the people of the valley who remain at home acting towards the heroic defenders of the Alleghany but for whose \nindomitable courage in repulsing an overwhelming body of the enemy the valley would now be overrun by marauding hordes of black Republican soldiers. While these brave men are enduring the rigors of a climate at an elevation where snow, rain or hail is an every day occurrence these that remain at home are engaged in all kinds of speculation. Every lb of butter though produced in unusually huge quantities is retailed to the soldiers at fifty cents per lb \u0026amp; c.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStaunton, Sept. 20th, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003eIt is possible that some ladies will leave here in a few days for Upshur County. I avail myself of the opportunity to inform you so far we are all well though there is and has been a great deal of sickness all over of this country. The girls are now boarding at a very good house in Brownsburg. The family not wanting help [Alcinda] is at Mr. Newlons. Porter and I left Brownsburg the last of September for the Mountains. We were one day too late to go with [Jenkins] or we might have attempted to get home. Porter has gone down the Valley towards Winchester and I shall start down today and fall in with him. We shall go as far as Maryland thence to Faquier and probably Rappahannock. I saw Gen Johnson a few days since, he was in good health and spirits. I have not heard from Philander for some time but \nsuppose that he is well. W. P. Kemble is still at Clarksville, Mecklenburg Co., Va. W. E. Kimble is at Richmond and well. He sent me 250 dollars. [Benton] sent me 250 dollars some time since. I received a letter from [Benton]- also one from Porter a few days since. They have both gone to Missouri to assist in organizing the troops in that State. Events are transpiring so rapidly at the present time that I should suppose both would tire of death and carnage. If the tide of war does not bring us home this fall I scarcely know what course to ask you to pursue. If you could bring sufficient with you to go to house keeping and meat to eat and other small articles there would be no difficulty in procuring a house in any part of the country, but it is almost impossible to procure any thing at this time in this country. Bacon is fifty cents sugar 80, coffee 2.00. -- calico 1.50 \nper yd., \u0026amp; c. But you have doubtly seen the prices of articles south in the Northern papers. I have not received a line from you since May. I saw young Cochran a few days since, he said he had seen you somewhere before he left, but did not speak to you. It was a satisfaction to know that you were well. I do not now know whether you have received any of my letters written with regard to the suits brought against me, therefore I repeat here what I have said in all my letters -- to pay no attention to their suits and do not \ntrouble yourself as to what disposition is made of the property- simply preserve all my books and papers. If you can get any thing from [T___] or Potts, do so, receipting to them for what you get. The girls are well pleased at the house they are now boarding at. The refugee families are all well. I do not know who of our soldiers have been killed in the fights at Manassas, Harpers Ferry, and in Maryland, but think the Taylor boys have escaped. Give my love to Leake and tell him for me to keep at his books.\u003cbr\u003e \nBelieve me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePorter has been anxious to go into the army this winter and I have half promised him that could he get to see you again he might go. He feels mortified at his present position and he is ambitious to take some part in the war. His idea is that a man has but one time to die and that a few years more or less will not make any difference. He says that he is able to carry a musket and that if he\ndoes not raise his arm in defence of his country under existing circumstances he shall never feel like asking a Southern woman to marry him and that a northern woman he would not have under any circumstances. George Armstrong was at Brownsburg when I left. He had come down on a visit. He is able to walk with the use of one crutch. He\nis conditionally true to his engagement . If what he shall have heard about be true of her joining in the reception at Grafton of the Yankee invaders he will suffer his other leg to be crippled and both arms torn from his body before he would have her or any other woman that by act of courtesy received a yankee favorably. George is a brave man, he is true to his country, and true to his love\nprovided she has been true to herself. I approve his course. I detest with intense hatred the time serving policy pursued in our country and I told Mr. [Ceplin] very frankly that it was with reluctance that I gave my hand to a man who was in the habit of shaking hands with the Yankees or what is worse the Union men of NW Virginia and I do not think I am an exception. Tho I have mentioned to you the sickness here, do not give yourself any uneasiness about it. Mr. Newlon promised that if Alcinda or her child gets sick, that he will take care of them. As we have been favored so far I still trust to Providence to preserve\nus in future. The girls are at a good house and should they get sick are in good hands- - Fanny is very careful they have all been using preventives so be of good cheer and do not get out of heart. Philander is well though I have not seen him for about a year. Porter and I went to Winchester, stayed in the Army ten days, but Philander was absent. We passed him as we went down the Valley and did not know. The fences are burned, this makes the road wide. To be relieved of the dust we were frequently 50 yards\nfrom the road. Philander has charge of about 100 wagons and was going to Rockingham for corn, thus we missed him. I suppose he gets about 100 dollars per month. I do not think he is drinking in fact he has not been. Porter I suppose will go the Army to see him. Say to Mr. Gawthrop that his son is well. He has been detailed as a butcher at $50 per month. William Sharps is his assistant. Saml\nTucker was seriously wounded at the battle of Manassas, but it is thought will recover. Uriah has recovered from his wound and is again in the Army. Jac is not yet able to go in the Army but is at the hospital taking care of Saml. H. Mahany and John are well, also the two Robinsons and James Boyd. I received a letter from Brother Porter and one from Thomas written the 27th of August, I have not heard since. They were well at that time. I do not think they were in the battle of Corinth as they had been sent on other service at that time. Porter expressed a desire that his family should be on this side of the line - his principle fear was that Tell might be made to swear he does not wish him to take an oath on any account. If there is no danger of Tell being sworn probably they had better stay where they are. W.P. Goff must be informed that he will be held personally responsible should he on any account permit or not prevent the administering of any of them oaths to Tell. Porter also swears by all that is sacred that he will hold some men in Clarksburg responsible for any indignity that may be offered to Father in any way, shape or form. Tell Emily that I try to keep Porter apprized that she is well \u0026amp; c. I have just seen a young man from Clarksburg and I shall write to\nPorter in the morning. I again repeat my advice to Father to quit business, have no cattle or other goods, convert everything into gold at even 40 percent and bury it, and put no tombstone to its grave. Give my love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy to attend to his book and say his lessons to you. I do not want him sent to school. I would not have him taught by anyone I know save yourself. I do not want him to associate with the children of the Union people in your section of the State. Tell Leake that Porter and I have slept out of doors a good many nights. We do this sooner than ask people to keep us all night, it is nothing to be refused a lodging for the night for love or money-- still there are some clever people. I have but one motto that is to \"run with patience the race set before,\" this I intend to do. So be of good cheer and do not despair.\u003cbr\u003e\nTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM. H. Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\nSince writing Mr. C. has been looking over his letters and [shares] the enclosed note from Miss Armstrong. W.P. Kimble is well, he is at Clarksville, Mecklenburg County Virginia. I loaned to Henry C Middleton fifty dollars when I was at the oil wells. Write him a note to send you the money, say to him that you are in need of it. To your friends buying in and hold for redemption such articles\nas you need I have no objection, but things that you do not need and than can be replaced let them go---\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMonday Evening\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI write you this note to let you know that I arrived here safely last evening. I do not look for Porter and Bradford for several days. The roads are very much cut up and I expect they will have a hard time. I started Dick to meet them, but he may miss them entirely. Our loss in the fighting that has taken place is 1742 in killed and wounded. Our dead have been buried. The Yankee dead remain\nunburied. The field of battle is still in dispute. The Yankees have not asked the privilege of burying their dead and we cannot [venture] to do it. Ours were carried off during the fight. We occupied the best position and think the enemy loss 5 to our one. I have just been to take a look at the Yankee Army. They are drawn up in line of battle, but as it is now 4 o'clock we do not think\nthere will be a fight today. The principal fight was on Friday--though in sight we feel secure. My back is better though I am yet suffering. I was offered 200 dollars for the wagon and 2 sets harness, but could get no transportation at Staunton for our load. I am writing on a moments notice so excuse this hasty note. We are 10 miles from the office----\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThursday morning\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter and Bradford have not arrived yet--but unless I write today you will not hear from me until next week. This may reach you on Saturday and even [now] I must write very hastily. The loss of the abolitionists in the last battle near Fredericksburg was greater than we at first supposed. They are again on the other side of the River. I spent yesterday afternoon in going over a portion of the battle field near or adjoining the City. On the portion of the field I visited there were at least 500 dead. Under a flag of truce they were burying their dead but doing it in a very careless manner. Unless they worked last night they cannot get through before sometime today. After going through Fredericksburg and seeing the results of their vandalism I felt no sympathy for their justly merited fate. Scattered books, broken [----], furniture of all kinds and every description carried into the streets and broken to pieces. Our own loss is narrowed down to less than 400 killed and less than a thousand wounded, while the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 2000 killed and from 10 to 20 thousand wounded and missing. All who have visited the ground concur in the opinion that the dead\nare thicker upon the ground than any [field] they have seen. One could have walked for 400 yds upon the dead. This was close up to the houses reaching back 400 yds to a stone wall. Burnsides is considered a fool for making the attack, as from his camp he could see our position and defenses. Our army could have withstood an attack by 400 thousand men. Our victory was complete. I have not yet seen any Yankee account of the battle. There was some conversation on yesterday between our men and the men\ndetailed to bury the dead. They all agreed that their defeat was a terrible one. A physician told Judge G. that he thought this [------] would certainly satisfy the North. We lost [260] as prisoners who were exchanged on yesterday. We have besides about 1000 prisoners who will be paroled but you will get the news from the papers before this reaches you. All is quiet this morning. Write to me and let me know how you are getting along. Write at least twice a week as in that way probably one of the letters might reach me. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003cbr\u003e\nPS. The 25th and 31st were not engaged. I have not seen Philander he is 12 miles distant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDec. 25th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI should like this morning to be with you very much but as that cannot be the best I can do is to write you and let you know how\nglad I would be were it so. Days and weeks seem to me much longer now than they were before your arrival, before I could not be with you if I would; now I might were it not that I would have to give up a situation in order to gratify my wishes and my feelings. I have not heard from you since I left, but hope that you are all well and getting along well. The weather here has been much colder than the spell was at Brownsburg while I was there. From all we can gather from the Northern papers their defeat was much greater than we supposed immediately after the battle. One of their correspondents estimates 3000 wounded in one of their divisions and that the wounded are in our hands. This is not so. Their number of dead is greater than their estimate. Many of the southern Regts take no prisoners especially the Louisianians - who are determined to have revenge for the outrages of Butler and his troops -. One can form but a faint idea of the horrors of a battle field without an actual inspection upon the ground. I can assure you I should feel rejoice if the war could close without such another scene as we have witnessed here - but if our foes will not cease the War which it is in their power to do then I hope that every conflict will result as favorable to us as this great fight at Fredericksburg. Porter went to see Philander and took to him the little things you had sent to him. He needs two flannel shirts also his hat. Hopes to be able to go and see you before a great while. Jackson's Army is about 20 miles from our camp. Porter carried Mr. Rapps package and boots to him, but learned that he had been wounded and taken to Lynchburg - this I suppose is no news at Brownsburg by this time. Ask what shall be done with what was sent to him. When I wrote you last my information was that the \n31st and 25th were not engaged but this was not correct. I do not know how many were wounded or killed in either but do not think the loss was great. We have a very fine band in the same field we are in. Last night among others they played \"Old Dog Tray.\" It made me think of Carlo and your description of his faithfulness. There seems to be no gloom or dreariness of thought among our soldiers so far as\nmy observation extends. All seem cheerful and gay. The dead are buried - the wounded and sick sent off - so that the well alone \nare left. Victory inspires confidence and certainly a great victory has attended our armies and what is more the North feels and\n[ ---- ] it. When Mr. Newlon goes to Richmond let him renew our subscription to the Examiner for six months or if you prefer some other paper. Let him subscribe to the paper you prefer. Porter did not arrive here until the dead were buried so that he missed a sight. I have very much desired he should see under the hope it would lessen his desire to join the army before he is 18. Our lead was too much for the bad team we had. I left 2 barrels of apples and 65 lbs butter at Staunton. Porter afterwards left 2 barrels at Waynesboro -- arriving here with 3 2/3 bls of apples and part of his butter. The expenses of the trip were over 40 dollars - unless those left behind come on it will prove a losing business.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Fredericksburg\u003cbr\u003e \nDecember 29, 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI am still without a letter from you, nor have I heard from Brownsburg since I left. We move in the morning to some point 25 miles nearer to Richmond so you need not answer this note until you hear from me again. Only portions of the army fall back at this \ntime, but it is supposed that Gen. Lee with the main army will follow in a short time; the object being to eat up everything as we fall \nback so that the enemy will find it difficult to sustain or rather to support their army should they elect to advance. I sold the wagon, harness and the two old horses for 625 dollars including the horse I had when you arrived. I thought it better to keep the two young mares for the present. Porter was offered 300 dollars for the bay mare today but thinks she will bring more money. I have heard nothing of the butter and apples left at Staunton and Waynesboro and probably never will. If so I shall lose by my investment as I sold what arrived here for cost and expenses. You had better have your apples opened and see that they are not rotting. These that arrived here had rotted considerably. Richard started to Staunton on Saturday morning and will not return for some two weeks. I have suffered considerably for the last few days with my back and have had to use half of a bottle of liniment tonight being the first I have used since the morning I left. Porter is in good health and if he keeps well and we settle down for the winter I think I can learn him so that he can do my writing and give me an opportunity to stay with you for a short time in the month of Feby. I should like to be with you sooner but do not see how I can get away sooner with the amount of writing on hand. I have taken up for the benefit of the 31st Regt a small collection among the men in our train. You will ask Mr. Withrow to hand to \nthe Ladies Society of Brownsburg thirty dollars with the request that they purchase yarn and convert it into socks for the men in that Regt. I shall try to send them a farther sum sometime next month. If you need money call on Mr. Withrow for what you may need until I have an opportunity to send you some which will be before long. It is now near 11 oclock. I was writing all day, have been packing up tonight so that we can make an early start in the morning having gotten every thing ready. Though tired I felt like writing to you if for nothing else to say how glad I would be to be with you. Give my love to all the children and accept for yourself my last thought for the night and my last letter for 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e...Philander was well last week. I have not seen him since the fight at P Republic. He has been to Richmond and is now with Jackson's Army (where Jackson is no one even knows except the Yankees). W.E. Kemble is at Richmond Asst Surgeon at some of the hospitals--W P Kemble is well though I have not seen him for 9 months, we have not met. Young Gawthrop, Jones, Armstrong and the men generally from our section are well--The 3 Tuckers have all been wounded but are getting well. You will see that [Jack] Tucker's wife does not suffer--a braver man does not exist. Hansbrough I heard was in Richmond a few days since, I have not seen him since last November. Mr. Armstrong and family are at Buckingham Courthouse. George is recovering from his wound slowly. I saw a letter from him a few days since to Doct Newlon in which he stated that the ladies \"God bless em\"had been very kind to him and he was not certain but that there was a warm corner in his heart for one of them \"having been disappointed in his first love he did not know whether he should ever love again.\" Doct Newlon said the interpretation was that Vic had joined in the procession at Grafton to welcome the yankee troops. We heard at the time that there was a procession at Grafton and there may be some foundation for the story. If she was one of that number I do blame George, but on the contrary approve his view. In most the Southern cities the true Southern women refuse to recognize in any way the whole tribe of invaders. I admire their course. I wrote to you last winter to tell J W B to keep quiet. I have never heard whether you received my letter or any other of the many letters I have written this spring. If they have fallen into Yankee hands, they have found out that I feel but little respect for them and less for the time serving people in your section of the State (W. Va). Fanny has also written to you, but whether the letters ever reached you or not, I do not know. The Refugee families have all escaped sickness so far--this is wonderful considering the amount of sickness we have seen of all kinds. Porter is a very good boy and says he thinks he will return to you as good as he left. I have promised him that he may go to the Army whenever he has seen you--it galls him very much that I will not let him go. The boys are more anxious to go than the men. Charles Newlon Jr. has joined a Cavalry Co. and is now at Union Monroe. Mrs. N was opposed to it, but Newlon desired him to go. Newlon's family are still at Brownsburg all well. D. Goff, Claud[--] and their families 5 miles west of Staunton, the longer they stay away the firmer South they become. The Crawfords from Beverly are all well and near Brownsburg. B. Bassel and my self are now writing these letters at the same table while Geo. Johnson is reading the news. You will send word to Mahoney's family that he is well and making money and that he expects Smith to pay them the amt furnished by him to Wash--which was considerable--and if they should need it,--more. Mahoney I suppose has made over 7000 seven thousand dollars--he is trading in every way. Edward Payne was at Staunton a few days since. He brought up a Sincel or Sinclair captured at Moorefield. I did not see Payne and my informant could not remember the name, said he was a wagoner. The Yankees were paroled, but not so with the Virginians. Gov. Letcher has something to say to Virginians captured in the service of Lincoln. If you get any money either get gold or valley money do not trust to N W. Virginia money and for this reason--If in the tide of War our armies should ever win the N West your money will not be good, as the men having charge of the banks will leave and carry with them the specie. Father thinks he knows too much to be advised. I am surprised at his doing business or attempting to do it. But if in the tide of War our army should get your way our friends should lay out all their Northern money for bacon and other articles needed in the south. I give a hint if they do not profit by it--I cannot keep it--I am not doing anything to make money. I have refused to join in the mania for speculation that has 1/2 ruined the Patriotism of the south. All speculation here causes the poor to suffer. If we had not stopped making whiskey corn would have been from five to ten dollars per bushel. Whiskey sells at 5 dollars per gal by the barrel and often as five dollars per pint by retail...\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Verden\u003cbr\u003e\nJanuary 25, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th was received one week since for your expressions of kindness receive my sincere thanks. Your uneasiness about my health and amount of labor is too great. The amt of labor is not so very great except at particular times. If I did not suffer with my back, it would not be much. I was in Richmond this week saw your brother William, he was ordered to N Carolina the day I arrived in Richmond and left next morning. I saw Trayhorn the bogus Sheriff of Barbour who was arrested by Capt Hill of Imboden's command and brought to Richmond. After his arrest a company from [M or W-------] went to Barbour killed 2 citizens  and carried 8 more to Wheeling to be held as hostages for the safety of Trayhorn. I learn from Judge Camden who left Richmond yesterday that John Williamson and Wm. Elliot had arrived in Richmond as Commissioners from Pierpoint to effect the release of Trayhorn. Saml. Elliot had been carried to Wheeling as one of the hostages. I saw the judge but a moment and did not learn the particulars about the killing of the men in Barbour. Mrs Rapps [ ] is here did not receive your letter about it until Goff had left and I was not here when Bradford left. If there was anything else it has been stolen. I found the bundle open one day but not hearing what was in it I could not tell whether anything was missing or not. I hope it was nothing of much value. When at home I lost the key of the trunk was not the stray key at Mr. Withrow's mine--We do not need any blankets have plenty--I shall write you in a few days. Do not count time as I am not certain when I can be at home. Give my love to all the children--write to Porter about improvement of his time--he has books--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLynchburg, Tuesday\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 10, 1863\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI might have stayed another hour with you on Sunday, but I wanted to give Leake ample time to return and not ride fast as it was very warm on Sunday. I arrived at the landing at least 3 hours before the boat started--arrived here yesterday morning by 9 oclock--shall leave in the morning for Hanover--not certain that I shall have hired a single teamster. There has been a heavy fall of snow today, but it is raining now and everything looks gloomy and I feel so I cannot help it. Here you see nothing and hear nothing but tobacco--save when a soldier steps up to pay his bill or asks what he will have to pay for a days board and is answered 5, 6 or 7 dollars. I feel satisfied from his look, that he wishes all these people in Yankeedom and \ntheir town in ashes. I do not feel hopeful at this time as to the result of the contest. I do not fear that Yankees can whip us, but I do fear that the desire of gain, the thirst for money will yet overwhelm us. One can hardly feel like risking his life for such a set, but our rulers are to blame. If in the first place a tariff of prices had been fixed upon the leading articles--such a state of things would never have existed. Before Porter starts for his [mare] he had better see if he can get anything to feed her on--if he cannot she will be badly off. I bought yesterday near 1/2 pint cabbage seed for $4.00--this you will think a large quantity. I want to raise a full garden, what we do not want we can sell. I also bought a paper of Turnip, salsify, and parsley and lettuce. I think in all probability I shall return home to stay before long and the more I think about it and the more I see how the soldiers are treated the less I approve of Porter's determination to go into the service before his time, but he will have to decide for himself. I am not certain now about starting in the morning as the man that was to meet me here this evening has not done so. You need \nnot write until you hear from me again, that is if you all keep well--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Verden\u003cbr\u003e \nMarch 14, 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI returned here on Thursday. I went to Richmond today on business--was there but 4 hours. Just before leaving I met with Porter Johnson who had arrived in Richmond last night. He had been told by some one that I was in Richmond, was on the look out for me. I shook hands with him without recognizing him. I was not thinking about him--did not look particularly before I remarked \"I believe I do not remember you.\"---He had not received any of our letters. I had but little conversation with him and did not learn his business. I shall go down to Richmond on Monday to see him. He may visit Brownsburg before his return to Missouri. I met young Camden at the cars in Lynchburg and sent the garden seeds by him. I shall try and get some more seeds in this neighborhood. I found your letter on my return--read it with much satisfaction though I had seen you since it was written. Norvel Lewis of Clarksburg died in Richmond last Saturday. He had been drinking for some days, was prostrated at once and all that could be done did not revive him. Porter knew him well and I hope his fate will be a warning to him never to drink liquor. His death has produced a great grief among those that knew him. I shall write again by Wednesday's mail. Let me know when you are to move. Probably if Porter concludes to come up I may be up with him. If you have nothing in the house do not fret about it. You cannot have less furniture than we have in camp and we got along very well. So long as we keep our health take the world easy--it is not worth while to fret about what we cannot help. I sold the bay mare this evening for $300, she was being reduced each day, so I though it better to part with her. After you are moved, I will write to Porter when to come after his mare. Give my love to the children and believe me truly yours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 15 63\u003cbr\u003e \nMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e \nCapt. Semmes did not leave this morning as he expected. Tell Porter I have examined his mare today. I do not think she has fallen off much. Write to me on the receipt of this and forward to Verden. Let me know when you will move or whether you have moved. There has been no weather for gardening, so I do not expect that Porter has done anything yet. I can get some sweet \npotatoes  from [S ]--had I better do so\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSunday March 29 [1863]\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 25th was received last evening. On Tuesday I went to Richmond and returned on Thursday. On Friday morning I went to Fredericksburg and returned on yesterday. I saw Philander--he was well and had received your letter. He had joined a company in the 13th Virginia Regt and thought probably he might go into actual service. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSince I left Fredericksburg our army have used up a large proportion of the timber for firewood--the timber being cut down--the Yankee truly are in full view for miles. The soldiers have been ordered to send nearly all their baggage to Richmond so as to have nothing but what they can carry upon their backs. Some think there will be a movement either forward or backward in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePorter's business at Richmond is to have adjusted the pay coming to the Missouri troops. He was nearly through with his business when I left Richmond. He had not determined on what route he would return to the west. I regret very much that we moved into that house since they have taken the store room for a hospital--as sickness has generally followed the army. But I suppose among [P ] of Brownsburg it would be heretical to suppose that anyone would be sick without a special decree from above. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think it probable that I may be that way in 10 or 15 days. There is some business to do in Culpeper and probably in Buckingham. I may go on horseback if so I shall ride mare and go into Brownsburg. I am not positive about it. We had a very rainy day yesterday--it is cold today. It is near the first of April and there is very little plowing done in this neighbourhood, everything is very backward, nothing green except wheat and that very poor. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGive my love to the children and believe me truly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBeverly\u003cbr\u003e\nSaturday 25 [April] 1863 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nBeverly was taken yesterday after about two hours cannonading and some but not much skirmishing of infantry. The abolitionists were about 1300 in number. Latham succeeded in burning all his stores. [He] succeeded in getting away in the direction of Philippi with little or no loss of men. Our cavalry pursued, but I fear without any success. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter has not started tell him to stay where he is. The bad management here has [lessened] my confidence in this command. The bridges are gone over Greenbrier river and the road might not be safe on account of Union men. I hope he has not started or that you did not receive my last letter. I am very tired and pretty well worn out. I have no doubt but Latham will burn the bridge at \nPhilippi. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours in haste\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHillery's, 9 miles West of Beverly\u003cbr\u003e \nTuesday April [28, 1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nFortune has favored us though we do not deserve it. We had advanced to within 12 miles of Philippi--the same distance from Buckannon--news came that 8 Brigades had reinforced the enemy--we commenced to retreat on Beverly and had reached this point. This morning we know that the enemy have fled from Buckhannon \u0026amp; Philippi--that Jones has captured New Creek and destroyed the Railroad at Rowlesburg. We start west again this morning either by Buckannon or Philippi.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHad Jackson been in command we would have been in Clarksburg today, The railroad would have been destroyed. When we turned back almost every man was dissatisfied--all wanted to fight the enemy without regard to numbers. Mrs. J. Arnold  --sister of Gen. Jackson--went off with the yankees. Arnold stayed at home says he is a good southern man, that his wife is crazy but Hell he says, could not govern a Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Porter comes he must come with a crowd or with the mail which has a guard. Love to you all.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMay 1st 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was too late for the mail when I wrote the note on this sheet. We have been here two days. I do not know when we shall leave. I shall not be able to leave this command while it stays here and shall have to share its fortunes. The enemy have retired to Grafton \u0026amp; Clarksburg. Our information is very uncertain. Gen. Jones we are informed is at Evansville. It is very hard to communicate with him and we may have to form a junction with him before we advance against Clarksburg.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Union people have fled by thousands. Dick was near Henson Hoff's--Hoff and his two sons have fled. He had held office under the Lincoln Government. If Porter has not started he had better come with the crowd that guards the mail. I have purchased dress patterns enough for our family for some time to come (calico Gingham) \u0026amp; also for Mr. Withrow's and some others, cloth for \nPorter and entire suit overcoat \u0026amp; c. I have boxed them up- do not know when they will reach you. I have been appointed agent to take charge of all abandoned property. This will be a heavy work--\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWeston\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 5th [1863] \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI believe I wrote to you from Beverly. I have written to you since but missed the mail. After the affair at Beverly on Friday we left Beverly on Saturday about noon, marched 9 miles and encamped on Sunday. We marched to a point equidistant from Buckhannon and Philippi. Hearing nothing from Jones and learning that Mulligan had reinforced Gen Roberts we fell back to \nwithin 9 miles of Beverly. We again started for Buckhannon before reaching that point the enemy had evacuated the place--burnt a [ ] amt of commissaries stores \u0026amp; c. A large no of the Union men going with them.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe remained at Buckhannon two or three days waiting to hear from Gen. Jones, having lost sight of him at Evansville. Gen. Jones arrived at Buckhannon Saturday morning, having been at [ ], Morgantown, Fairmont, [Skinnston], Bridgeport, Philippi. We immediately marched to Weston arriving here on Sunday morning. Beyond Evansville the Railroad was torn up for a considerable distance. The fine bridge at Fairmont was [blown] down. There was a fight at Fairmont, several killed, 400 prisoners taken. 3 killed \nat Bridgeport \u0026amp; c. Gen Jones command brought in 1200 horses taken from Union and secession men without pay. Father lost about 30 so the men say--he will be paid some day Gen Jones has consented that Dick may take one of the horses taken from Father. I am glad our troops got the horses pay or no pay. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMason [Hisser] \u0026amp; Ed Payne now along--I do not know when the next move will be made. The enemy are massing their strength at Clarksburg and probably outnumber us. It think it likely that Gen. Jones will make another raid around the enemy before Gen. Imboden advances upon Clarksburg. A fight may take place at Clarksburg, some days hence. Our friends are completely \nsubdued, talk in whispers are afraid to speak out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAt Buckhannon I purchased about two hundred dollars worth of goods, mostly plain dry goods--put them in a box with some purchased by the Qr Master of the 31st Virginia Regt. I believe he has the goods with him, do not know whether he will ever have an opportunity to send them out. I have purchased fifty dollars worth here but do ot know what to do with them--having no transportation. There are plenty fo goods but the difficulty is what to do with them.  Porter arrived here yesterday, he is well. I do not know when either of us will return.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Kemper, Near Staunton\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 23d 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI reported here this morning, at Staunton yesterday morning--may start to Richmond any morning on short notice. Found Dick's horse of no value he gave out before I had reached Middlebrook. With much labour I reached a point 3 miles beyond Staunton by 9 o'clock at night--next morning sent the horse to English's. I staid in Staunton 2 days with the hope of hearing some of the \nparticulars of the fight in the Valley, some of the casualties but could learn nothing of the kind.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe account of the battle is about as follows. The enemy in far superior number attacked Early about day light. We held our own until 3 o'clock driving the enemy some two miles--at which time our Cavalry upon the left embracing Vaughan's, Imboden's, McCausland's, and Wickham's brigade gave way. This placed the enemy's cavalry in Winchester in the rear of our infantry and close upon our wagon train. The wagon train would have been destroyed but for the large number of stragglers with the train--the\nYankee Cavalry mistaking them for a strong guard. Our infantry retired fighting saving the train and all the artillery but 3 pieces. I cannot learn the names of any of the killed wounded or captured except Gen. Rodes \u0026amp; Gen. Godwin killed. Gen Lee wounded. I shall go back to Staunton this evening and if I can learn any other names I will enclose them in this letter. Gen. Breckinridge is in Staunton today on his way to take command in S.W. Virginia. Nearly all our dead and wounded fell into the hands of the enemy--our loss being about 3,000. Those who passed over the ground from which we drove the enemy until 3 o'clock think the loss of the enemy greater than ours.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou have doubtless heard before this of the arrival of Richard Brown's family at Doct McChesney's. 5 families in all came through--the Yankees giving permission to all to come who desired to do so. Tell Leake to tell Mr. Higgenbotham that his detail was granted upon the ground of private necessity until the first of November. The detail has been here since the 15 of August. Tell Leake to gather all the fodder he can, but not to work too hard. If our army should fall back up the Valley have the barrels that are fixed filled with flour so that you can move it from the mill should it become necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours\u003cbr\u003e \nM H Johnson\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFitz Lee Cavalry were whipped on Thursday in the Page Valley losing 4 pieces of Artillery. Gen Early was at Woodstock last night having lost 12 pieces of artillery at Fisher's Hill or some other point--he is falling back up the Valley. The excitement here is on the increase. Capt. Corder was killed. Col. Patton of the 22 badly wounded and in the hands of the enemy. Accounts on both sides in the Examiner not far from the truth regarding the stand point from which the view is taken. All say our cavalry has acted badly. Let \nthe advocates of plunder remember.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 11 64 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nLeaving Staunton on Sunday evening of the break up I reached this place on Tuesday evening. Have been well since. The reserves are here on guard duty--encamped on the Manchester side of the river. At the great fright here last Friday week a portion of our command was sent to the front. I was not among the number. On Monday morning there was a severe frost here--ice forming upon buckets of water outside the tents. I suppose the early frost has [swept] or ruined our cane patch. I would be better to procure barrels and have as much of the flour ground as you can. Porter had better have his ground and forwarded to Richmond--if he desires it at this point before he leaves. I see the cadets are ordered to Richmond. Tell Porter if he has not started that he will find me at the camp at Manchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEvery thing is again very quiet about here for the last few days not a distant cannon has been heard for several days. Henry Mahoney was among the returned prisoners. A gentleman desires Ella Wade to be informed that her husband at Fort McHenry was well last week. If Porter has not started he should bring with him his white overcoat and blanket as the nights are very cold here--at least have been. I have not heard from home since I left. You have doubtless heard of the arrival at Lebanon of J H Haymond's family--well provided with many things. Direct care of Mr. Bennett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, Sunday\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 4th, 1864 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nI have been busy all day but I know you will be disappointed if you do not get a line from me tomorrow. It was impossible for me to leave here today but I will try and be at home next Sunday. Gen. Smith says that the Cadets will have a short furlough but I think it doubtful. I am hoping that Porter will get permission to come home for a few days, but suppose he will have to bear his own expenses--probably the money would be better spent by him in buying such little things as he needs, but if he comes all right. The \nGen. says they will draw another suit of clothes. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had but little to eat when Philander was here and made but a poor show. Tell Leake that Jeff and I made a fine feast on his rabbit. Jeff is very well contented, but wants to eat when I do and becomes very impatient if I do let him eat with me. I shall have a clerk after today and a very good one if he will keep sober--which he has promised to do, but which no one believes he will do. I was hungry I believe and will have eaten up what you sent in a day or two--you can send me enough bread and meat to last until Saturday--send by the stage driver, also write me at the same time. Send me any of the rib pieces as I have a cap I can make [h ]. Excuse this scrawl and believe me truly yours. Brother Porter complains that I do not write to him.\u003cbr\u003e\nM H Johnson \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell Mr. Newlon \u0026amp; Crawford if they come this way to come and stay with me.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLexington, March 7 65 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Wife\u003cbr\u003e\nThe latest news from Staunton is about as we first heard. Our loss--1200 in prisoners, only 4 killed and wounded. Col. Harmon killed. Mr. Church's story all a fabrication. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson is expected at Brownsburg tonight--whether he will have any troops with him or not I do not know. If you are all well send Leake to the Gen and ask him to stay all night. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJackson's and Imboden's men united with Rosser and pursued the enemy down the valley and may attack the guard and try to rescue the prisoners--but I hardly expect it as the Guard is a large one and Sheridan said to be along the the guard. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTruly yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nMHJ\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nJany 12, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Darling Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour sweet little letter was received this evening. I was truly glad to hear from home and you. I have now been from home over two weeks, and not a line until I received your letter this evening. I did not know but some evil genii had enchanted you all with some magic spell and changed you all into beast or birds, so you cannot imagine how much relieved I was when I read your letter and found you all still retain your original forms. I arrived safely here several days after I left home. Uncle Will  arrived several days ago. I got the things he brought. I am exceedingly obliged  to mother for them, they were very nice indeed.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe are very poorly fixed here for study, twenty in a room, one small table, no chairs or stools, but one gas burner, and attached to the side of the wall instead of the center of the room where it ought to be. There is but one little stove in the room and the meanest coal that you can imagine. We have but two meals a day which is quite often enough of the kind, bread and beef for breakfast and beef and bread for dinner. However I am living and well. I have been but to two meals in the mess hall in the last four days. I intend to leave here as soon as possible. I will have to cut my \nletter short as the gentleman who is going to carry it is in a hurry. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was on guard last night and sat up until midnight reading Hiawatha which will probably account for the following lines. 2 I was just thinking what I should write you about my stay in Staunton when these lines occurred to me. I expect they will cause some amusement for you. It is my first attempt at writing poetry and I am not certain that I succeed very well, but it was written on the spur of the moment and under great difficulties. You must excuse all mistakes as I am writing in the dark nearly. To all good night.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate\u003cbr\u003e \nBrother Porter \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePS Write soon and give me all of the items of news and what you all think of my leaving here. Uncle [Porter] thinks I had as well leave.\u003cbr\u003e\nGoodbye\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nYour kind letter was received and read with pleasure. I was glad to get a letter from you once more, one written by your own dear self. I am very sorry now that I have not written to you ere this but I was thinking like yourself that every mail would bring me a letter from mother, but none came. I am convinced now that I ought not to have waited so long, as I see it was my duty as well as pleasure to write to my dear mother. I am so sorry that by not writing to you that I should have caused one shadow to hover o'er\nyour brow or one pang of sadness to enter your heart. I would not intentionally grieve my mother for anything in reason. I am a naughty boy, but mother dear you must forgive me this time. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am so sorry for you all at home that the weather is so cold. I sincerely hope you have plenty of wood. We have not had cold weather here [ ] and I have been very comfortable. Although I did not find but one of my blankets, however the one that was lost did not belong to me and the one to whom it did belong being wealthy very kindly told me it made no difference about it. Although I suffer a great many inconveniences here they are nothing to me compared with what you have to put up with. You must make yourself perfectly easy about me and do not imagine me suffering when I am very comfortable. We have Bible class every Sunday. I recite to Col. Preston, or rather hear him lecture. He makes the time spent with him pass very pleasantly and also imparts much useful and interesting knowledge. I had a permit last Wednesday. Called to see Mrs. Neason, she was very cordial indeed \u0026amp; invited me to spend all the time that I had to myself with her and to come every permit I got and spend the day which I promised to do. She complimented you very highly on the [way] you managed your affairs in West Virginia. I expect to get a permit on Saturday week when I shall go and see her again. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI intend to leave here the first of March. I came here by my own consent and with the understanding that I was to leave at the end of a year. I will soon have been two instead of one. I am sorry to say I am not getting along as well with my studies as I would wish.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e \nFeb 23d 1865\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour welcome letter was received last night. Uncle Porter had been here in the evening and told that he had received a letter from you stating that you had written me permission to resign. I am very much gratified at your kind concess[ion] in my wishes, and pleased to find that your own ideas correspond with mine on so important a subject. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI feel it due to myself as well as to you to state to you some of the reasons I have for leaving here and giving up the only opportunity which I shall perhaps ever have of getting an education. In the first place I am past nineteen years old and I think that it is my duty to be in the army. All who stay here after they become eighteen are generally considered shirkers. Then I do not think that the school will continue much longer than the first of April, for is it reasonable to suppose or can it even be expected that in this the death struggle of the Confederacy when every man woman and child should be at his or her post, when every nerve is to \nbe strained to attain the object which we have so long fought for, that two or three hundred well drilled, able bodied men will be allowed to remain idle and inactive? I am sure the answer of any rational man will be No! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThen acting on the supposition that the corps will be ordered into service soon at all events, I think it advisable to resign while I \ncan, and while I have the power to join any command that I think proper. A right granted all cadets resigning by order of the Sct \nWar. And as for education, I look at it in this light. If we are subjugated the less education and refinement a man has the better for him, for the nearer the man approaches the brute the less feeling he has, and in the above contingency our condition will be little better than that of brutes. To look at the same question from another point, if the war continues, I will have to enter the army sooner or later. If I am killed education will profit me nothing, but suppose we gain our independence and I should be so fortunate as to survive the war, almost every youth in the Confederacy will be in my own lamentable condition without education or polish.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think I shall hand in my resignation in about a week or so, I wish to finish analytic before leaving. I would like to join cavalry but do not see how I am to keep myself in horses.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNext I thought of mounted horse artillery but for the present I thought of accepting a second Ltc in the 2d Foreign Battalion, a position which I can get I think without much trouble. Uncle Porter advised me to take it at once as he thought it better to leave now if I could get a position than to wait a while and go as a private. There are several of my acquaintances in the same Battalion and one of my most intimate friends left the other day for a 1st Lt in the same. I cannot use the permission you sent me, it is right with the exception that you omitted to state that I resigned to enter the military service of the C.S. Please send me another with this addition. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease excuse mistakes as I have written under difficulties and in haste. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your affectionate Son,\u003cbr\u003e\nPorter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eNew's Ferry, March 27th 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received both of your last letters. The one dated the 4th March first and the one dated 1st, a few days ago. I would have written to you before this, but thought I would wait until certain communication could be established. I did not get to see Mr. Newlon before he left or would have written by him. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI resigned about two weeks ago. I have been in the trenches one week since, with the Corps. It then took me a week or such a matter to make my arrangements to leave the city. I have accepted the place I wrote you about, and am now on my way to join my command, it is at Charlotte, NC. I would like very much to have come home before going into the army, but the way not being open when I had the time at my own disposal I did not attempt it. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt would have been a needless expense, and one which Uncle Porter advised me not to incur, though if the way had been clear I certainly should have come. My expenses at the V.M.I. were one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars. I will enclose you a statement of my financial account. I left Richmond Thursday and was two days getting to this place. I am at present at Mr Chalmers, the father of one of my classmates and friends. The son invited The son invited to his fathers house. I wanted some place on the line to leave my trunk. This is the place exactly, it is on a direct line from the south to R and quite safe from the enemy there. The family are so kind. Mr C has invited me to make his house my home, as long as I am pleased to stay, but I shall only remain two or three days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am tolerably equipped. Uncle P bought me a small pair of saddle bags for fifty (50) dollars. He also gave me an oilcloth. I am going to take as little baggage with me as possible and will try and take care of it. On parting from Mr Neeson he gave me some good advice just as you would have done and I saw that he felt a deep interest in my welfare. He also offered me money but I declined because I thought Uncle P had given me what he thought proper. You cannot be too grateful to Mr. Neeson and his family for their kindness to me. I wish you would write to him about it. I wish them to know how grateful I feel to them. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope to see you again but have not the most remote idea when. When you write to me again direct to Lt. Porter Johnson 2d Foreign Battalion, Charlotte NC. Write soon to your affectionate son.\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDearling Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nI have not received a single line from you since a few days before the enemy's raid. I have heard once from home through Papa, but it made me sad than otherwise though I was truly glad to know that you were all well. My dear mother, I have now launched my bark on the ocean of life, and though the clouds lower around me and the waves roll high, I hope by the help of God, to [sp---t] \nthe flood. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have thought a great deal about home and friends. I would have liked very much to have come home to see all of the dear ones again, but as it would have been a mere gratification and would have accomplished nothing I suppose it is best as it is. I am now staying at a very kind gentlemans in Halifax County.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have met with some very kind friends indeed since I resigned. Mrs Neeson has been almost a mother to me, just as kind as she could be. She often talks of you and thinks Papa one of the best men in the world. I almost fell in love with her daughter Mary a quiet unassuming and modest girl of fourteen summers. There is a little bright eyed beauty of twelve years, sitting by me while I write, [ ] my [ ]. Give my best love to all. The girls must write me soon. Give my especial love to Leake, tell him to be a good boy and mind his mother. Write to me soon mother! \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour devoted son, Porter\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePrison Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp Chase, Ohio, June 18, 1865 \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mother\u003cbr\u003e\nThe order for release of prisoners has at last arrived. I expect to be released in about a week. It is a bitter pill but has to be swallowed. I do not expect to be home immediately. J.W. McCorkle is sick, he expects to go to his Uncles in Cabell county. I must go with him. He would do the same for me and more. Then I will go by West Va. I shall stop a few days then hasten home as fast as possible. I am in good health. I have not heard from any at Bridgeport for three weeks, they were all well at that time. Eddie \nWithrow is well, he is going directly home. Jake [Tucker] is well. The thoughts of soon again being clasped in a mothers embrace, Oh! isn't it glorious. My best love to all, regards to my friends. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom your Affectionate Son\u003cbr\u003e \nPorter Johnson esq\u003cbr\u003e \nSoon to be Citizen of the United States of America Good and Loyal\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister Allie\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter came duly to hand. I am truly happy to see you are such a punctual correspondent. Did you send the book I wrote for by Mr. C. I saw him the other day but he did not say whether he had brought it or not. I saw a splendid life size picture of Gen. Lee put up in the House of Delegates on Wednesday, it was by Bruce a very ordinary looking man. He asks six five thousand ($65,000) dollars for it. You ought to be here to see the crowds of ladies that flock to see us on dress parade and some very pretty ones I can tell you. I have almost fallen in love with one or two myself. Miss Lou H was out to see us today escorted by Maj. Stuart. She invited me to see her she was looking better than I ever saw her.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_609_c01_c07"}},{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2089#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eDiary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2089#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2089.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Read, Rufus S. Civil War Diary","title_ssm":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"title_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089"],"text":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089","Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Diaries","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Chronological.","Rufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. "," Military:"," 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)"," 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)"," Rank in:  Fifer"," Rank out:  Musician","Diary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.","1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K","English"],"unitid_tesim":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"collection_ssim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"geogname_ssm":["United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"geogname_ssim":["United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"places_ssim":["United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchase."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Diaries"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Diaries"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.01 Linear Foot"],"extent_tesim":["0.01 Linear Foot"],"genreform_ssim":["Diaries"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChronological.\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement of Materials:"],"arrangement_tesim":["Chronological."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Military:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Rank in:  Fifer\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Rank out:  Musician\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. "," Military:"," 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)"," 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)"," Rank in:  Fifer"," Rank out:  Musician"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRufus S. Read Civil War Diary, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Diary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.","1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":2,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:18:40.893Z","scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDiary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e"],"collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_2089","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_2089.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Read, Rufus S. Civil War Diary","title_ssm":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"title_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089"],"text":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089","Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Diaries","Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","Diaries","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Chronological.","Rufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. "," Military:"," 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)"," 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)"," Rank in:  Fifer"," Rank out:  Musician","Diary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.","1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K","English"],"unitid_tesim":["SC 00735","/repositories/2/resources/2089"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"collection_title_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary"],"collection_ssim":["Rufus S. 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Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChronological.\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement of Materials:"],"arrangement_tesim":["Chronological."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Military:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Rank in:  Fifer\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e Rank out:  Musician\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Rufus S. Read was born about 1840 in Pennsylvania.  A Union Soldier from Pennsylvania who on 5/27/1861 mustered into \"K\" Company, Pennsylvania 31st Infantry as a musician, discharged for promotion on 12/21/1862 and mustered into \"Batty M\" Co. U.S. Army 2nd Light Artillery Regiment Regular Army. "," Military:"," 2 Pennsylvania Res. Inf. (31 Pennsylvania Vols.)"," 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry (31st Volunteers)"," Rank in:  Fifer"," Rank out:  Musician"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRufus S. Read Civil War Diary, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Rufus S. Read Civil War Diary, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Diary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.","1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_coll_ssim":["United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center","United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 31st. Company K"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":2,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:18:40.893Z","scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDiary, 1861-1864 of Rufus S. Read (b. 1840) a Union soldier of Pennsylvania. He mustered into Company \"K\", Pennsylvania 31st Infantry on 5/27/1861 as a musician, and into 2nd Company, U.S. Light Artillery in 1862. For a preliminary description, provided by the seller, see finding aid link below.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1861 May 27 Musters with the Consolidation Guards, formed out of the Southwark Literary Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   May-June Camp Washington in Easton, Pennsylvania.   July Regiment joins with 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Still with Company D. Marches from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Baltimore, Maryland, then to Sandy Hook where his company put into General Bank's Division. Some men did not want to take the oath to the United States Service and sent to Philadelphia. Some officers lost their commissions.   August – December Moves from camp to camp, eventually staying near Drainsville. Appears to mainly participate in reviews by officers and foraging for supplies.   1862 January-March William Conner, a deserter, captured, sentenced to six months in prison, then a dishonorable discharge. Travels on the Leesburg and Alexandria Turnpikes, never camping too far from Alexandria, Virginia.   April and May Rides train to Manassas and then marches to and camps near Fredericksburg, Virginia.   June June 8-11 Takes steamboat to West Point, Virginia. June 12 Camps 12 miles from Richmond, Virginia. June 20 Camps near Mechanicsville, Virginia. Supports battery on the picket lines. \"Balloon sent up today and was fired at by the enemy and it came down double quick time.\" June 26 Marches along road to Hanover Courthouse, retreats, turns and battles. Brings prisoners back to camp. June 27 Battle. Takes wounded friend over the Chickahominy Bridge to hospital where wounded laid out in a field. General Reynolds is a prisoner. June 30 Big battle where many from his regiment are captured, killed and wounded. Gets lost and sleeps in a field near the battleground.   July Finds his regiment, but so sick he goes into the hospital. Returns to his regiment, but not on duty again until late in the month. Few tents, sleeps on ground.   August \"…quite a disturbance was created last night in our camp, by enemy throwing shells into us from the other side of the James River…\" Sees 150 negroes working on a fort across the river. Soldiers in Richmond exchanged and returned to camp. \"Our Generals McCall and Reynolds came back from Richmond this afternoon…\" Returns to his regiment by first taking a schooner to Aquia Creek, then riding a train to Falmouth where he tries to find his division by first going to Manassas Station, then Centreville. Marches to Fairfax Courthouse.   September Battle near Frederick, Maryland. Friends dead and wounded. Over 1000 wounded in hospital where he is helping. \"The Bucktails went out skirmishing and our regt was ordered to support them and we soon came…encountered them and after hard fighting we drove them from off the mountain…\"   October \"Our regiment now numbers 130 men…\" \"…three new regiments arrive…\" Appears to be camped near Smoketown. Marches toward Harper's Ferry in hurricane force rain and wind.   November Marches through Waterford and after a few days of rain and snow, camps near Warrenton, Virginia. \"…after marching all day on fields and on byroads we fetched up, after throwing out skirmishers at Warrenton our brigade first troops in the place besides the cavalry…\" Walks into Warrenton where he is arrested by the Provost Guard because he does not have a pass. Spends night in Guardhouse as a prisoner. Marches to a camp near Rappahannock Station. General Sigmore relieved of his command. Camps near Stafford, Virginia.   December \"Put a furnace in our tent.\" Snowy, muddy and cold much of the time. Marches to Bell Plains. \"…I went out and saw the battle before Fredericksburg. Very hard fighting…\" Visits friend in Hospital. Marches towards Stafford. Makes log buildings. \"I have been detailed to the cookhouse…\"   1864 Brief entries give weather, tell if he was in camp and describe his activities, such as cutting wood. January 31, \"Went to church this morning, the first time in more than two years.\" February 9 \"Chas, Scanlon, S. Buck and myself reenlisted for only three years more in the Battery.\"   Last pages of diary include: a pencil drawing, \"Winter Quarters, Tent and Brandy Station, Va.,\" a list of the men who were wounded, killed or missing, in order by date from June 26, 1862 to December 3, 1862. a list of the battles he participated in beginning with the Battle of Mechanicsville and ending with the Battle of Fredericksburg.\u003c/p\u003e"]}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_2089"}},{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"William P. Allcot Papers","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_9352#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_9352#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_9352.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Allcot, William P.  Papers","title_ssm":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"title_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352"],"text":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352","William P. Allcot Papers","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence","29 items","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki:  http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot","Processed by Carl Hinton.","Correspondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.","Acknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.","Recieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Is glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Inquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Asks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Describes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.","Is happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.","Has almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.","Describes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Ackowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Hopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Received a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Some 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.","States that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Acknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,","Acknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","His medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"collection_ssim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchase"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["29 items"],"extent_ssm":["0.40 Cubic Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.40 Cubic Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eInformation about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: \u003cextref type=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onRequest\" href=\"http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William%20P.%20Allcot\"\u003ehttp://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki:  http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam P. Allcot Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Carl Hinton.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Carl Hinton."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAsks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAckowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSome 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStates that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Correspondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.","Acknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.","Recieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Is glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Inquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Asks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Describes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.","Is happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.","Has almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.","Describes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Ackowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Hopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Received a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Some 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.","States that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Acknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,","Acknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","His medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":32,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:12:28.479Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","ead_ssi":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","_root_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","_nest_parent_":"viw_repositories_2_resources_9352","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/WM/repositories_2_resources_9352.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Allcot, William P.  Papers","title_ssm":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"title_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861-1864"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1861-1864"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352"],"text":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352","William P. Allcot Papers","Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence","29 items","Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.","Information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki:  http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot","Processed by Carl Hinton.","Correspondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.","Acknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.","Recieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Is glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Inquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Asks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Describes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.","Is happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.","Has almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.","Describes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Ackowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Hopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Received a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Some 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.","States that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Acknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,","Acknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","His medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.","Special Collections Research Center","English"],"unitid_tesim":["Mss. 86 Al1","/repositories/2/resources/9352"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"collection_ssim":["William P. Allcot Papers"],"repository_ssm":["College of William and Mary"],"repository_ssim":["College of William and Mary"],"access_terms_ssm":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"acqinfo_ssim":["Purchase"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863","Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862","Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865","United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals","United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 62nd","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["29 items"],"extent_ssm":["0.40 Cubic Feet"],"extent_tesim":["0.40 Cubic Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1861,1862,1863,1864],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCollection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access:"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eInformation about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki: \u003cextref type=\"simple\" audience=\"external\" show=\"embed\" actuate=\"onRequest\" href=\"http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William%20P.%20Allcot\"\u003ehttp://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot\u003c/extref\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Information:"],"bioghist_tesim":["Information about this individual or organization may be available in the Special Collections Research Center Wiki:  http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/wiki/index.php/William P. Allcot"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam P. Allcot Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William P. Allcot Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eProcessed by Carl Hinton.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information:"],"processinfo_tesim":["Processed by Carl Hinton."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAsks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIs happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHas almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAckowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSome 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWas slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDescribes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eStates that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHis medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAcknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Correspondence, 1861-1864, of William P. Allcot while he was serving with the 62nd New York Infantry Regiment. Includes letters from Allcot from various camps around Washington, D. C. and in Virginia, ending with his stay in Island Hospital, New York in 1861-62; those from Allcot while he was serving at camps and on battlefields in Virginia and Maryland, 1862-1864; and those from Allcot while he was a patient at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., 1864. Their contents describe conditions in camp and on the battlefield (Fredericksburg, Fair Oaks, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg); express Allcot's views on the Civil War; discuss family affairs; and tell of his health and conditions at Carver Hospital.","Acknowledges receiving a letter from his brother, Edmond, and writes of his letter to him; expresses appreciation to his parents for all that they have done for him; tells of the capture of Union Colonel [James Adelbert] Mulligan and the possibility of battle; describes his physical accomodations. [Letter written on letterhead showing a woman wearing a dress made of the United States flag and carrying a United States flag, while pointing and with one foot placed on a world globe, all surrounded by the emblazoned words \"Onward to Victory. 1776. 1861.\"] 3 pages, Autographed letter signed.","Recieved letter from parents; describes his love of country and his favorable situation within his unit; his intention to have his friend John Hall receive a portion of his pay every two months; his intention to visit home; tells of the gold watch given him by his unit [62nd Anderson Zouaves]. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] Allcot, to his sister, Ann Louisa, concerning his intention to come home and tell her of Washington, D.C.; he wishes happiness for the family; relates how he had eaten his first chicken since leaving New York. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges the receipt of January 11 letter from his parents; tells of the possibility of a furlough; acknowledges the receipt of letters from his brother [Edmond]; complains of the men in his regiments wasting money on drink; discusses the error of the Southern cause; expresses admiration for Abraham Lincoln. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Is glad his parents liked the picture he sent them; sent money to his brother John; will send money for his sister Anna Louise's wedding; describes the watch and address given him by the members of his unit [D Company, Anderson Zouaves]; wishes his family well; cautions mother not to overtax herself; sends his regards to his brother Henry. [Letter written on letterhead showing a rock emblazoned with the printed slogan \"The Constitution and the Laws,\" with an eagle perched on the rock with arrows grasped by its talons and a United States flag on a flagpole stuck vertically in the rock.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Inquires about the health of his mother and the health of the entire family; states belief that the war will be over shortly and that Europe will not aid the Confederacy; describes the welcoming of Colonel Michael Corcoran after his release by the Confederates; the manpower price the Confederacy is paying for the war; [General Sterling] Price taken with the remnant of his army; General [Simon Bolivar] Buckay [sic] [Buchner] to be tried for treason in the wake of the capture of Fort Donelson; Jeff[erson] Davis must see how the Confederacy is collapsing; laments that the Confederate leaders exist; hopes his sister Anna Louise's wedding went well; wishes the family well and urges them to write him. [Letter written on letterhead showing the interior of Fort Welles (later Fort Walker, Hilton Head, S.C.), including buildings, tents, canon, canal, and Union soldiers marching and on guard duty.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Asks about his mother's health after her fall; discusses the possibility of his death in battle; his belief in the Union cause; his past illness; names commanders of his division [1st] General [Darius Nash] Coutch [sic] [Couch] and of his brigade [1st] General [John James] Peck; the arrest and release of his unit's [62nd Regiment Infantry] commanding Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker]; the imminent march of his regiment. Including autographed signed letter from W[illiam] C. Allcot, Newport News, Virginia, to his brother, E[dmond] C. Allcot, 1 April 1862, informing him that he may be written at Newport News, and saying that \"I have seen the boys at Fort Munrow [Monroe] they are all well.\" 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Describes the fighting around Yorktown, as well as the Confederate breastworks; his ill health; expresses affection for his family; expresses incredulity over the willingness of the Confederates to burn their own homes; expresses determination that the Union government not compromise with the Confederacy; describes the wet ground conditions in camp. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the damp conditions at camp; his admiration for the commanding general [Darius Nash Couch]; the corduroy road used by the Union army; condemns the Confederate killing of a Union picket; happiness that his brother Edmond received his letter; describes his recent illness; will send money home; relates suffering caused by the war to the people in the South; wants his parents not to worry about him. [Including as letterhead a full-color panoramic view of the fortifications around Washington, D.C., looking south across the Potomac River, with the Anacostia River flowing into the Potomac at the left of the picture.] 4 pages. Incomplete.","Is happy about his mother's health; describes scene of dead and wounded, and the Battle of Williamsburg; Captain [?] Lee of the 5th North Carolina Regiment and his paucity of remaining manpower; the demoralized state of the Confederate forces; corrects his mother's misconception about the material state of the Union forces; the destruction about him; return of property to a Union sympathizer; rumor of Norfolk [VA.] in Union hands; he will send money to his parents. [Letter written on letterhead showing a radiating circle bordered in red and blue and containing an eagle standing on a red and white striped shield while grasping a sword and struggling with a snake, against a blue background emblazoned with a partial circle of stars.] 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of mother's letters; describes the recent operations of the 6th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, including the hard marching; crossing the [Rappahannock] River; picket duty; the marching in bad weather to Fairfax Station; the readiness of General [Joseph] Hooker's Army of the Potomac for a battle. 4 pages. Incomplete.","Has almost recovered from his illness; received letter and shirt from his mother; regrets having missed his father in New York, which he visited on a pass; describes his visit to Sing Sing [N.Y.] and his brother John on that pass; his desire to again visit home. 2 pages. Incomplete.","Describes the battle around Fredericksburg [VA.], involving the crossing of the [Rappahannock] River by the [Left Grand Division] under General [William Buel] Franklin, and the subsequent engagement; Confederate and Union artillery dueling; urges his father to use the money he sent him for his own benefit; the difficulty of driving out the Confederates ensconced behind their breastworks; expresses love for the family and hopes they will write him. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Ackowledges receipt of letter and papers from his parents; the Army of the Potomac is largely inactive; his father has difficulty drawing money [out of his bank] without the signature of Allcot's brother John; the victory of General [William Starke] Rosecrans at [Stones River] and how it was good for morale; wishes he were out of the war; his appointment to sergeant; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his brother Thomas, and the sending of a letter to his brother Edmond. 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of letters from his parents and siblings; blames the people of the North for being divided over the issue of the war; the rainy conditions at camp; his [VI] Corps' battle with the elements; the relief of Generals [William Buel] Franklin, [Ambrose Everett] Burnside, and [Edwine Vose] Sumner from command, and the assumption of command of the Army of the Potomac by General [Joseph] Hooker; complains about the relief of General [George Brinton] McClellan as [commander of the army]; he expects pay soon; acknowledges receipt of letters from siblings; the commander of the [3rd] Brigade is Brigadier General [Frank] Wheating [Wheaton], and they have had four commanders in all; they got on picket duty; the enemy lines are close; hopes for a better national future. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Hopes for his brother's good health; the bad weather; the reinstatement and promotion of Colonel [J. Lafayette Riker] as brigade [3rd] commander; morale is high; sends regards to the family; expresses concern for the fate of his brother John; believes in the Union and decries those who call for peace; morale high in the 10th Regiment, which his friend Frank Allen belongs to; officers must carry their own tents; Edmond should not send him newspapers. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Received a letter from his brother Thomas; a friend of his brother John informed him that John had become a major; Phebe [his sister] now lives with his parents; his unit [62nd New York Infantry Volunteers] is about to march; his determination that the war should be won; urges the family to tell Phebe to answer his letter; family must not believe that John is a provost marshall until they have heard from him; wrote his brother Thomas, telling him that his father thanked him for the kind words; no news in the Richmond [VA.] papers about the sinking of a Union gunboat. Including autographed letter signed from W[illiam P.] A[llcot], camp of the 62nd New York Infantry Volunteers, near Falmouth, [VA.], to \"Ma\" [his mother Clarissa, New York, N.Y.], 14 April 1863, concerning the rainy weather; expectation of pay; the pleasentness of picket duty. 4 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Some 70 men of the [62nd] Regiment wounded or killed charging [at Fredericksburg]; his wound only minor because of the protection of his haversack; his [3rd] Division defeated with heavy losses; the possibility of having to fight all the way to Washington; sleeplessness and rain prevail. [Letter written on letterhead showing a belt fastened to form a circle, surrounding the intertwined letters \"USA\" and emblazoned with the words \"United We Stand Divided We Fall.\"] 3 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Was slightly wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg; going to the rear for treatment; his [62nd] suffered 130 casualties; his [6th] Corps driven back from the heights of Fredericksburg by the Confederates; two companies of his regiment taken prisoner and 160 men killed, wounded, or prisoners; General [Joseph] Hooker's plan of attack should have worked; conscription should be enforced; wishes the family well, and his parents should write him concerning money he sent; rheumatism and his wound affect him minimally; wants to know if his parents have heard from him. 4 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Describes the march of the [3rd Regiment] north from Centersville [Centerville, VA.] to the vicinity of Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; General [John Fulton] Reynolds killed at Gettiesburg [Gettysburg, PA.]; his [3rd] division ordered into the battle; much use of bayonet; Confederates beaten, but regiment ordered not to pursue; next day [July 3] Confederates charged and were repulsed; his division charged, overrunning the position of the 15th Georgia [Regiment]; discusses the search for blankets against the rain; march resumed on [July 5]; many Confederates wounded, left behind; pursuit of Confederates continued from Fairfield [MD.]; battle fought with the Confederates at Boomsboro [Boonesboro, MD.]. Including postscript from Allcot, July 12, stating that he had received a letter from his brother John on June 28, 1863. 4 pages. Incomplete.","States that for 150 miles there has been incessant marching and fighting; his [62nd] regiment skirmished with the Confederates May 30; enemy cavalry chased; a black man says people in the vicinity are preparing to leave; foraging necessary due to an absence of rations; Allcot will be home by July 4; he wishes his family well. 3 pages. Autographed signed letter.","Acknowledges receiving his mother's two letters; his arm wound is healing, and his appetite is improving; his strength is not sufficient for him to write a longer letter; the family members should write him; he would like to receive a newspaper from his brother, Edmond. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of 5 dollars from his brother [Edmond]; the weather is warm; he will not be home as soon as expected; he wishes his father and brothers well. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; there is an abcess in his arm; the medical treatment is as good as can be expected; he received a letter from Sing Sing [N.Y.]; he received [news]papers from his sister, Anna; conditions at Carver Hospital are bad. Includes a listing of numbers added up in two columns. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter; his shattered arm will heal only slowly, and he is weak; urges his mother not to visit him at the hospital; will be home as soon as he can; weather is good; acknowledges receipt of [news]papers. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of her letter dated [September 7]; asks his mother not to send him anything else, including stamps or money; received a letter from Anna [his sister]; his general condition is poor. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of both his mother's letters; his medical condition improves, but the abscess in his arm wound continues; if his father visits him, it should be November 1; thanks his mother for sending money. 1 page. Autographed letter signed,","Acknowledges receipt of both of his mother's letters; received lettters from his brothers Thomas and John; John does not yet have a house; believes his mother should not come to Washington, D.C. to visit him; Allcot's medical condition has improved. Includes a note [not dated] instructing his mother to give one of his books to his brother John and another to his sister Clara. 1 page. Autographed letter signed.","His medical condition improves; two pieces of bone taken out of his shoulder; his brother Thomas should write him; acknowledges receipt of a letter from his mother. Includes note apologizing for the shortness of the letter. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed.","Acknowledges receipt of his mother's letter, but sorry she is not well; the day is lovely; his physical strength is returning; Frank Kelly, the many who carried Allcot off the field when he was wounded, visited Allcot's parents; Allcot and Kelly promised to assist each other in the war; John, his brother, promised in a letter to see their parents at Thanksgiving. 2 pages. Autographed letter signed."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBefore reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use:"],"userestrict_tesim":["Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections Research Center"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":32,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T03:12:28.479Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viw_repositories_2_resources_9352"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"College of William and Mary","value":"College of William and Mary","hits":7},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=College+of+William+and+Mary\u0026view=compact"}},{"attributes":{"label":"Virginia Military Institute Archives","value":"Virginia Military Institute Archives","hits":4},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Military+Institute+Archives\u0026view=compact"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Fredericksburg+%28Va.%29%2C+Battle+of%2C+1862\u0026view=compact"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Augustus C. 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