{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Ervine%2C+John+H.+%28John+Hamilton%29%2C+1831-1917\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Ervine%2C+John+H.+%28John+Hamilton%29%2C+1831-1917\u0026f%5Blevel%5D%5B%5D=Item\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":1,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Ellen J. Ervine","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"text":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter","Letter to Ellen J. Ervine","Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","English","Berkeley County \nJune 18, 1861","Dear Ellen: \nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026 we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026 taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026 was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026 two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026 get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026 about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026 give you the routes.","About 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026 stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026 come about three or four miles \u0026 stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026 marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026 join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026 stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026 a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.","I heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026 can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026 did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026 they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026 believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.","We had our horses valued today \u0026 at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026 bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026 over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.","I wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026 men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026 wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026 grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.","Tell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026 will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026 May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026 bring them candy \u0026 will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026 butter \u0026 pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026 send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.","When you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026 ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026 take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026 when you expect to leave \u0026 how everything looks.","All the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026 cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026 gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026 Mrs. Arch Pitman.","I want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026 Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband \nJohn H. Ervine","Written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Ellen J. Ervine","title_ssm":["Letter to Ellen J. Ervine"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Ellen J. Ervine"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 June 18"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Ellen J. Ervine"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"creator_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":1,"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":[1861],"names_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"persname_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBerkeley County\u003cbr/\u003e\nJune 18, 1861\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Ellen:\u003cbr/\u003e\nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026amp; we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026amp; taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026amp; was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026amp; two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026amp; get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026amp; about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026amp; give you the routes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbout 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026amp; stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026amp; come about three or four miles \u0026amp; stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026amp; marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026amp; join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026amp; stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026amp; a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026amp; can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026amp; did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026amp; they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026amp; believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWe had our horses valued today \u0026amp; at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026amp; bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026amp; over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026amp; men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026amp; wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026amp; grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026amp; will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026amp; May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026amp; bring them candy \u0026amp; will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026amp; butter \u0026amp; pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026amp; send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWhen you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026amp; ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026amp; take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026amp; when you expect to leave \u0026amp; how everything looks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAll the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026amp; cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026amp; gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026amp; Mrs. Arch Pitman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026amp; Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband\u003cbr/\u003e\nJohn H. Ervine\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Berkeley County \nJune 18, 1861","Dear Ellen: \nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026 we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026 taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026 was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026 two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026 get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026 about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026 give you the routes.","About 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026 stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026 come about three or four miles \u0026 stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026 marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026 join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026 stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026 a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.","I heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026 can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026 did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026 they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026 believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.","We had our horses valued today \u0026 at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026 bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026 over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.","I wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026 men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026 wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026 grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.","Tell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026 will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026 May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026 bring them candy \u0026 will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026 butter \u0026 pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026 send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.","When you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026 ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026 take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026 when you expect to leave \u0026 how everything looks.","All the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026 cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026 gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026 Mrs. Arch Pitman.","I want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026 Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband \nJohn H. Ervine"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:13.177Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_401","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_401.xml","title_ssm":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"title_tesim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861 June 18"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 June 18"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0331","/repositories/3/resources/401"],"text":["MS.0331","/repositories/3/resources/401","John H. Ervine Civil War letter","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","This letter is avaliable online.","John Hamilton Ervine was born on January 28, 1831 in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia. He was a farmer before enlisting as a 2nd Sergeant in Company I, 1st Virginia Cavalry on May 22, 1861. He was hired substitute and discharged in October 1862 and then enlisted in Company I, 4th Virginia Infantry on October 23, 1864. ","Ervine was wounded in action and imprisoned at Ft. Monroe, Virginia in March 1865 and was released on May 31, 1865. After the War he was farmer in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Ervine died near Brownsburg on January 31, 1917.","Berkeley County \nJune 18, 1861","Dear Ellen: \nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026 we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026 taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026 was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026 two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026 get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026 about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026 give you the routes.","About 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026 stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026 come about three or four miles \u0026 stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026 marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026 join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026 stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026 a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.","I heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026 can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026 did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026 they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026 believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.","We had our horses valued today \u0026 at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026 bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026 over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.","I wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026 men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026 wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026 grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.","Tell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026 will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026 May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026 bring them candy \u0026 will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026 butter \u0026 pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026 send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.","When you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026 ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026 take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026 when you expect to leave \u0026 how everything looks.","All the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026 cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026 gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026 Mrs. Arch Pitman.","I want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026 Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband \nJohn H. Ervine","This collection consists of one letter (dated June 18, 1861) from Confederate soldier John Hamilton Ervine of Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, to his wife Ellen J. Ervine. The letter was written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.","Written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0331","/repositories/3/resources/401"],"normalized_title_ssm":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"collection_title_tesim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"collection_ssim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"creator_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"creators_ssim":["Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Cavalry Regiment, 1st","Soldiers—Virginia—Correspondence","Virginia—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["1 items"],"extent_tesim":["1 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"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/1122\"\u003eThis letter is avaliable online.\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["This letter is avaliable online."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn Hamilton Ervine was born on January 28, 1831 in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia. He was a farmer before enlisting as a 2nd Sergeant in Company I, 1st Virginia Cavalry on May 22, 1861. He was hired substitute and discharged in October 1862 and then enlisted in Company I, 4th Virginia Infantry on October 23, 1864. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eErvine was wounded in action and imprisoned at Ft. Monroe, Virginia in March 1865 and was released on May 31, 1865. After the War he was farmer in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Ervine died near Brownsburg on January 31, 1917.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["John Hamilton Ervine was born on January 28, 1831 in Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia. He was a farmer before enlisting as a 2nd Sergeant in Company I, 1st Virginia Cavalry on May 22, 1861. He was hired substitute and discharged in October 1862 and then enlisted in Company I, 4th Virginia Infantry on October 23, 1864. ","Ervine was wounded in action and imprisoned at Ft. Monroe, Virginia in March 1865 and was released on May 31, 1865. After the War he was farmer in Brownsburg, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Ervine died near Brownsburg on January 31, 1917."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eBerkeley County\u003cbr\u003e\nJune 18, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Ellen:\u003cbr\u003e\nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026amp; we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026amp; taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026amp; was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026amp; two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026amp; get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026amp; about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026amp; give you the routes.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAbout 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026amp; stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026amp; come about three or four miles \u0026amp; stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026amp; marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026amp; join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026amp; stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026amp; a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026amp; can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026amp; did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026amp; they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026amp; believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWe had our horses valued today \u0026amp; at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026amp; bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026amp; over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026amp; men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026amp; wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026amp; grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026amp; will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026amp; May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026amp; bring them candy \u0026amp; will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026amp; butter \u0026amp; pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026amp; send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhen you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026amp; ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026amp; take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026amp; when you expect to leave \u0026amp; how everything looks.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026amp; cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026amp; gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026amp; Mrs. Arch Pitman.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026amp; Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn H. Ervine\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Berkeley County \nJune 18, 1861","Dear Ellen: \nAs we are not marching today I have another chance of writing, I shall write again. I have not heard from home yet except by Andrews letter which was dated the 9th. I know you have written several times but I have no chance of getting them. Yesterday was an exciting time with us as the enemy was at our old camp (Camp [Clover]) \u0026 we expected a fight but they did not come, they retreated it is said to Maryland. We were marched to Martinsburg early yesterday morning \u0026 taken in a corn field over a hill from the road \u0026 was kept waiting for 7 or 8 hours dismounted with our guns in hand ready to mount at the [word] \u0026 two companies sent out to meet the northern men \u0026 get them to advance on us but they had not the spunk. There is now 8 cavalry company in this regiment all well mounted on the very best of horses \u0026 about 16 or 18 thousand infantry within a few miles at a little town called Bunker Hill. Since I wrote to you at Winchester we have been marching all the time. I will try \u0026 give you the routes.","About 1/2 hour after I finished my last letter to you we left that place to cover the retreat of some troops from Sheperdstown. Then to Charles Town to cover the retreat of the troops from Harpers Ferry. We got to Charles Town early in the morning \u0026 stayed there for several hours, while we were there the road near filled with soldier from the ferry as full as you ever seen a road filled with stock cattle. I do not know how many thousand this I can say the road near full for about 12 or 15 miles one regiment after another as close as they could march for the baggage wagons. After they got past we left that place \u0026 come about three or four miles \u0026 stopped until about ten o'clock when we left \u0026 marched about 30 miles taking a back road to a point back of Martinsburg about 2 miles where we had to sleep on the ground with out our tents so as not to be easily seen. Now we are about 3 miles from Mburg on the Winchester road. There was three companies left here this morning to go down to see after the enemy \u0026 join Whites that was out in that part as a scout. I expect there will be a skirmish today if they can find the boys. News come to camp several times today that they had been plundering houses stealing negroes \u0026 stock of all kinds. Several family have moved by here today \u0026 a great many persons passing in vehicles of all kinds fleeing from the fiends.","I heard that the R-ham Regiment had gone to Romney but do not know it to be certain. I told Capt Yancey today if there was any more men detached from his company for express riders I wished to be one as my chance for getting letters would be better as I would go as often to Winchester as any other point. We are treated with all the kindness that any one could wish by citizens. Everyone has water and provisions ready for soldiers which is either sent to camp or handed out as we pass. I have no idea which way we will go from here no more than you do \u0026 can't tell until we get out on the road which way we will go so secret are the moves kept. I have been quite well since I left home \u0026 did not find it so hard to sleep on the ground as some did. I suppose the rest of the family think I ought to write to them but I can't get the time to do so \u0026 they must not complain for I will not write to anyone unless I can write to you oftener than I have done. I don't want you to imagine so many things about me as you have done especially that I will be hurt in a fight for I do not have any fears of being hurt if we do get in a fight. I have not thought that anyone [would] be hurt after hearing from those fights where two men at Romney [could] keep back several hundred. It is a bad show for hard fighting with abolitionists is said \u0026 believe to be true that 2 men in a bridge there with several negroes to [hold] for them made several hundred retreat.","We had our horses valued today \u0026 at big figures as well as I can guess the average must have been at $175. My horse was valued at $175 and saddle \u0026 bridle at 18. It is said by everyone that we have the best lot of horses in the regiment. Col Stuart said about 40 of our men are the best mounted men he ever seen as good the [----star] company is [here] the one other said who had such fine horses. There was some 20 of our horses went to \u0026 over $190. The highest was 225, only one as low as a hundred.","I wish you could see us getting meals. You used to think that we was dirty but if you was to see the beef strewn about on the ground \u0026 men cooking off it you would think we did not care for dirt. Our fare is nought nothing but beef or bacon \u0026 wheat bread. The bread is baked. Coffee we have to toast \u0026 grind ourselves. We have had sugar all the time until a few days ago the supply gave out.","Tell grandmother I will write to her soon \u0026 will try to give her all the news in camp. Tell Maggie \u0026 May for me the dear little things Pappa will come back some day \u0026 bring them candy \u0026 will tell them so many pretty story about little girls giving Pappa bread \u0026 butter \u0026 pies. Tell Father I want him to get me some goods for pants as my pants is getting somewhat worn and will not last me very long. Line the legs below with something strong as they soon cut through with the stirrups [tethers] \u0026 send me ten dollars by someone for I may want more money if I should get a chance to go home. I can't go on horseback as they will not let a horse go out of camp unless on duty. Though I will not come back without [Percey] unless he is killed or shot or I lose him some other way. You must not try to send any provisions to me for I can't get it. There is a number of boxes there now for our company in Winchester.","When you go home to your Ma's I want you to take Ginnie with you \u0026 ride her as much as you wish to do \u0026 take good care of the colt. Tell me if Henry Applegate will stay in our house until I get back \u0026 when you expect to leave \u0026 how everything looks.","All the ladies or most of them are leaving. I seen Miss Sue Pitman last Friday. She said she would leave for Shenandoah the next day also said she was going to write to Mary H. in a few days. She come to the gate \u0026 cheered the soldiers as they passed \u0026 gave some of them water while two or three servants did the same \u0026 Mrs. Arch Pitman.","I want you to give every soldier you see something to eat as I should hate to have it said that you refused a soldier food when I have been fed by everyone almost. I will stop. Tell Sister I will write to her soon. I want to hear from Howard \u0026 Sam when you write again. I will perhaps get some of your letters tomorrow as Dr. M[---] will send his servant to Winchester for the mail for our company. If I should fail to get one I will be badly disappointed worse than I ever have been before. I will now close this. Give my love to all of the folks at Fathers. Tell Father if I don't write to him not to think I don't want to do so as our chance for writing is bad and mailing worse. I want you to kiss the children once a day for me until I get home. Then I will get to take the job off your hands. Good bye, from your husband \nJohn H. Ervine"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn H. Ervine Civil War letter, 1861. MS 0331. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["John H. Ervine Civil War letter, 1861. MS 0331. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThis collection consists of one letter (dated June 18, 1861) from Confederate soldier John Hamilton Ervine of Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, to his wife Ellen J. Ervine. The letter was written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one letter (dated June 18, 1861) from Confederate soldier John Hamilton Ervine of Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, to his wife Ellen J. Ervine. The letter was written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.","Written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_d4e70c782e44661383fb7a1026c9e36d\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Ervine, John H. (John Hamilton), 1831-1917"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Ervine, John H. 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