Letter from R. Henry Campbell to mother

Creator:

Campbell, R. Henry (Robert Henry), ?-1870

Scope and content:

Written from Martinsburg, West Virginia. Letter regards a Union sentiment among townspeople.

Language:

English

Other descriptive data:

Martinsburg May 21/61

Dear Mother,
We arrived at place on Tuesday night at eight o'clock. We did not certainly know where we were going to when we left the Ferry as we were marching under sealed orders. Our Captain did not know where we were going when we left the Ferry, as he was prohibited from opening his orders until after he left the Ferry. We came to our journey's end much sooner than we expected, for it was generally believed before we left (as I wrote to Father) that we were going to Wheeling.

I like the looks of Martinsburg very much. It is a very nice place. It contains some beautiful residences. Its population is 4000. Almost all of the inhabitants are still for the Union. The Ladies all play (on the piano) Hail Columbia & Star Spangled Banner. This County gave seven hundred majority for the Union.

We have excellent quarters. We are quartered in the Town Hall. Gen. Davis is in command at Richmond, Gen. Beauregard at Norfolk, Gen. Johnson has superceded Col. Jackson at the Ferry. I sent my likeness by John Breedlove to you. I gave it to him the morning we left the Ferry. He expected to start for home the next day. I intend to send Sis my likeness by the first one who goes home.

We are all well and in good spirits. I would have written sooner but have not has time. Charley Rollins is not with the Company. He is an Orderly at Head Quarters in Harper's Ferry. He wrote me word that he would join us the last of this week. He is well and sends his respects.

Tell Sis and Father that I will answer their letters as soon as I can. No more at present, but I remain your affectionate Son,
R. Henry Campbell

P. S. Write soon. My love to all. R. H. C.

Subjects:

Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 27th
Correspondence

Names:

Campbell, R. Henry (Robert Henry), ?-1870

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