Letter to Eliza Johnson

Scope and content:

Letter regards the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Language:
English
Other descriptive data:

Monday Evening
My Dear Wife
I 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 unburied. 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 there 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----

Access and use

Location of collection:
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
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Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
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