Hd Qrs Va Forces
Sir:
The General commanding instructs me to say
to you in reply to so much of your communication of
the 28th inst as relates to the mission of Lt Col
Jones to Harpers Ferry, that Col. T.J. Jackson
of ^'the' Va. Vols has been sent in c9ommand of that
point and the country in its immediate vicinity,
and that your attention in that quarter will not there-
fore be necessary for the present.
You have been requested by telegraph to make a requi
sition for ammunition, specifying the number and kind
of arms for which it is wanted, allowing fifty rounds for each
man including the quantity on hand. The Genl instructs
me to suggest that whatever ammunition you may want
beyond this quantity, might be made within the limits
of your command.
I am, Sir, very respectfully
Yr obt Servt
R.S. Garnett
Adj Genl
Brig Genl Cocke
[docketed]
Apr 30 Letter
R S Garnett
Adj Genl
T J Jackson to Harpers
ferry & requisition for
ammunition & arms
May 1st
MSS 640
Saturday, April 30, 2011
1861 April 30 Warrenton, Va.
Gov Letcher
Dear Sir
I received, on yesterday, a letter under
date of 5th Inst. from my Nephew Lieut Caleb Smith
of the 2nd. Infantry enclosing his resignation in the
Army of the U States. He is in command of a
company of 80 men & is stationed at Fort Abercrombie
Dacotah Try. In consequence of the remoteness of his
post he had not, at the date of his letter heard of our ^'secession'
& therefore enclosed me his resignation to be for-
warded by me at the proper time. I forwarded it
today. I also received the enclosed letter to you
tendering his services to the State of Va. Permit me
to add that he was in all the battles from Vera Cruz to
the City of Mexico, before which place in the bloody
fight of Melino del Rey he fell badly wounded. The
son of an Episcopal Minister, my brother, he was
reading law at Parkersburg where his Father resided
at the breaking out of the Mexican War. When the
battles on the Rio Grande occurred, carried away by
[page 2]
the brilliancy of those achievements, he entered a
Steam Boat, went to Maysville Ky. & enlisted as a
private in the regular Army. On his return from
Mexico President Polk made him a lieutenant of
Artillery from which service he exchanged into his
present Regt. to oblige his young friend Lieut De Russey
whose Regt. being ordered to Cal. & he being in delicate
health was advised by his physician, that the service
would probably cost him his life. By this means
Lieut Smith was thrown into the enforced Service
to which he refers & which has continued to the
present day. He is now a 1st Lieut. with but one
Captain in the way of his promotion, with a
good prospect of being a Captain in the service
of the U States, could he have reconciled himself to
have remained in it. He is brave, active, intelligent
& well educated. Should it be your pleasure to give
him an appointment in our provisional Army
you will please enclose it to me. I will add that I
have always understood that he was an excellent
soldier.
If we establish recruiting Stations for
our regular Army, I think Western Va. ought to be
freely occupied. It would, I am sure, have no little
[page 3]
effect upon public sentiment. Lieut. Smiths Mother
lives in Parkersburg, his Brother is City Postmaster not
having been removed & I suppose will not be now: and
were Parkersburgput made a recruiting station &
put in charge of an efficient officer, I am perfectly
satisfied many recruits might in a very short time
be obtained. I think Lieut. S. would be such officer
until the active duties of the field should require
him upon a different theatre.
Trusting that you may confer upon
him an efficient position among the Defenders of
our State I remain
Most resp[ectfull]y & sincerely yrs
Wm Smith
[docketed :
Hon. Wm. Smith
Enclosing his nephews
tender of Service
Caleb Smith
General Tender
writes from Warrenton April 30]
MSS 38-148
Dear Sir
I received, on yesterday, a letter under
date of 5th Inst. from my Nephew Lieut Caleb Smith
of the 2nd. Infantry enclosing his resignation in the
Army of the U States. He is in command of a
company of 80 men & is stationed at Fort Abercrombie
Dacotah Try. In consequence of the remoteness of his
post he had not, at the date of his letter heard of our ^'secession'
& therefore enclosed me his resignation to be for-
warded by me at the proper time. I forwarded it
today. I also received the enclosed letter to you
tendering his services to the State of Va. Permit me
to add that he was in all the battles from Vera Cruz to
the City of Mexico, before which place in the bloody
fight of Melino del Rey he fell badly wounded. The
son of an Episcopal Minister, my brother, he was
reading law at Parkersburg where his Father resided
at the breaking out of the Mexican War. When the
battles on the Rio Grande occurred, carried away by
[page 2]
the brilliancy of those achievements, he entered a
Steam Boat, went to Maysville Ky. & enlisted as a
private in the regular Army. On his return from
Mexico President Polk made him a lieutenant of
Artillery from which service he exchanged into his
present Regt. to oblige his young friend Lieut De Russey
whose Regt. being ordered to Cal. & he being in delicate
health was advised by his physician, that the service
would probably cost him his life. By this means
Lieut Smith was thrown into the enforced Service
to which he refers & which has continued to the
present day. He is now a 1st Lieut. with but one
Captain in the way of his promotion, with a
good prospect of being a Captain in the service
of the U States, could he have reconciled himself to
have remained in it. He is brave, active, intelligent
& well educated. Should it be your pleasure to give
him an appointment in our provisional Army
you will please enclose it to me. I will add that I
have always understood that he was an excellent
soldier.
If we establish recruiting Stations for
our regular Army, I think Western Va. ought to be
freely occupied. It would, I am sure, have no little
[page 3]
effect upon public sentiment. Lieut. Smiths Mother
lives in Parkersburg, his Brother is City Postmaster not
having been removed & I suppose will not be now: and
were Parkersburg
put in charge of an efficient officer, I am perfectly
satisfied many recruits might in a very short time
be obtained. I think Lieut. S. would be such officer
until the active duties of the field should require
him upon a different theatre.
Trusting that you may confer upon
him an efficient position among the Defenders of
our State I remain
Most resp[ectfull]y & sincerely yrs
Wm Smith
[docketed :
Hon. Wm. Smith
Enclosing his nephews
tender of Service
Caleb Smith
General Tender
writes from Warrenton April 30]
MSS 38-148
Friday, April 29, 2011
1861 April 29 University of Virginia
Dear Uncle
Excitement being on the wane just now, in these parts,
perhaps a letter from the University of Virginia, which has
now become little more than a military school, would
not be uninteresting to you: especially as I believe
John M. & Charley have not succeeded as well as myself
in throwing off what appears to me a family failing,
viz, aversion to writing. I believe my last letter was
not of the kind to meet a warm welcome from you.
At least I fear such was the case. But what I most fear
in regard to it is that you consider its sentiments and
arguments (if any) as mere gleanings & copyings from
sensation papers & speeches of the day: but I disclaim any
such origin for them. Perhaps in expression & in scope
& meaning there was some resemblance. If in expression
I did not take care & time to express myself fully and
completely. Be that as it may I am satisfied of the cor-
rectness of my conclusions. If no other state has or had
the right to withdraw from the Federal Union, Virginia
has, whenever she judges herself aggreived by said Union.
And she is the only competent judge of whether she be
aggrieved or not, & if this be denied, her sovereignty
as a state must be denied also.
I think Charley wrote you of John's going to Harper's
Ferry: perhaps John has written you of it himself
[page 2]
since his return. Shortly after the departure of the
two old companies, the Southern Guard, & the Sons of
Liberty, Dr Bledsoe formed another company & I am
a member thereof. We drill on the Lawn in front
of the Rotunda, an hour & a quarter every evening,
so that there can be seen three companies there
every day now. Two hundred ^'and forty' men will not make
a poor show for the University.
Perhaps you have not heard of our flagraising. Flagraising
has become quite trite nowadays. But a flag such as that
which has been floating over our Rotunda for the past
week is not so trite & common. On one side we see the
seal of our noble old state, the "Sic semper tyranis"
with a ground of blue. On the other are seen the columns
of the Confederate States--the stars arranged in a circle
with Virginia's in the centre.
We are all anxious to leave here & have a fight with Gen
Scotts collection from Yankeedom, Ireland, France, Spain
Germany &c, just merely to show that we boys are not
afraid to shed our blood, or get a scratch or so for the
honor of the Old Dominion. Otherwise we would like
to find some more respectable antagonists. We expect, or
at least I do, that we will have to fight a good many
battles, but not hard ones; as yankees consider man's
first duty to be, taking care of himself; & they will
in all probability find that the cheapest & surest way to
secure that desirable end--self preservation--when
an army of Virginians come to the chargae, is to drop
[page 3]
their arms & get out of the way as fast as possible.
Perhaps when Gen Scott comes to invade Virginia,
he will find that Lee is not Santa Anna, that Virginia
is not mexico, & that Yankeemen, Dutchmen, & Irishmen,
of the stamp found in the North are not exactly to be
relied on as much as Tennessee & Kentucky volunteers.
However that may be, he will find Virginians not much
inferior in courage & valour to the Britons their ancestors.
Do you hear from Uncle James? He is in a rather dangerous
position, so close to Cincinnatti.
But I do not wish to trouble you with too long a
letter & therefore close this. I have not heard from
home lately. Beleive me your affectionate nephew.
Walter C. Preston
Mr. John M. Preston, Sr.
[docketed Walter C. Preson
29 Apl. 61]
MSS 11143
Excitement being on the wane just now, in these parts,
perhaps a letter from the University of Virginia, which has
now become little more than a military school, would
not be uninteresting to you: especially as I believe
John M. & Charley have not succeeded as well as myself
in throwing off what appears to me a family failing,
viz, aversion to writing. I believe my last letter was
not of the kind to meet a warm welcome from you.
At least I fear such was the case. But what I most fear
in regard to it is that you consider its sentiments and
arguments (if any) as mere gleanings & copyings from
sensation papers & speeches of the day: but I disclaim any
such origin for them. Perhaps in expression & in scope
& meaning there was some resemblance. If in expression
I did not take care & time to express myself fully and
completely. Be that as it may I am satisfied of the cor-
rectness of my conclusions. If no other state has or had
the right to withdraw from the Federal Union, Virginia
has, whenever she judges herself aggreived by said Union.
And she is the only competent judge of whether she be
aggrieved or not, & if this be denied, her sovereignty
as a state must be denied also.
I think Charley wrote you of John's going to Harper's
Ferry: perhaps John has written you of it himself
[page 2]
since his return. Shortly after the departure of the
two old companies, the Southern Guard, & the Sons of
Liberty, Dr Bledsoe formed another company & I am
a member thereof. We drill on the Lawn in front
of the Rotunda, an hour & a quarter every evening,
so that there can be seen three companies there
every day now. Two hundred ^'and forty' men will not make
a poor show for the University.
Perhaps you have not heard of our flagraising. Flagraising
has become quite trite nowadays. But a flag such as that
which has been floating over our Rotunda for the past
week is not so trite & common. On one side we see the
seal of our noble old state, the "Sic semper tyranis"
with a ground of blue. On the other are seen the columns
of the Confederate States--the stars arranged in a circle
with Virginia's in the centre.
We are all anxious to leave here & have a fight with Gen
Scotts collection from Yankeedom, Ireland, France, Spain
Germany &c, just merely to show that we boys are not
afraid to shed our blood, or get a scratch or so for the
honor of the Old Dominion. Otherwise we would like
to find some more respectable antagonists. We expect, or
at least I do, that we will have to fight a good many
battles, but not hard ones; as yankees consider man's
first duty to be, taking care of himself; & they will
in all probability find that the cheapest & surest way to
secure that desirable end--self preservation--when
an army of Virginians come to the chargae, is to drop
[page 3]
their arms & get out of the way as fast as possible.
Perhaps when Gen Scott comes to invade Virginia,
he will find that Lee is not Santa Anna, that Virginia
is not mexico, & that Yankeemen, Dutchmen, & Irishmen,
of the stamp found in the North are not exactly to be
relied on as much as Tennessee & Kentucky volunteers.
However that may be, he will find Virginians not much
inferior in courage & valour to the Britons their ancestors.
Do you hear from Uncle James? He is in a rather dangerous
position, so close to Cincinnatti.
But I do not wish to trouble you with too long a
letter & therefore close this. I have not heard from
home lately. Beleive me your affectionate nephew.
Walter C. Preston
Mr. John M. Preston, Sr.
[docketed Walter C. Preson
29 Apl. 61]
MSS 11143
1861 April 29 Martinsburg
My dear John,
"'Tis past a doubt
all Bedlam," or the D-C,
is let out."
The shape of things
in Balto, Maryland & here
is disquieting & contemp-
-tible--to the last degree.
Foolery is ascendant, &
--in my judgment--only
to be got rid of by the ul-
tima ratio.
I am too looking, with
increased eagerness, to
getting--as soon as possible
--to some place where
"From the look-holes of which,
to peep at such a world."
I wish & intend to get
to Berkeley Springs, in a
few weeks--or sooner if
circumstances may so direct.
I am anxious to know
your programme.
Pray inform me;
Yrs affectly
P[hilip].C.P[endleton]
J[ohn]. P[endleton]. K[ennedy]esq.
over------
[page 2]
Were you not asto-
nished -- aye--astounded
at this act of secession
by our Virginia conven-
tion? I was & am.
The influences -- other
than want of sense or
want of integrity that
achieved it, are inexpli-
-cable to me--but I do not
doubt, that they are now
being brought to bear
upon Maryland.
I can not imagine what
they are, unless it be, a
thoroughly ascertained
determination by England
& France to interfere--
but interfere, only in the
contigency that the Bor-
-der slave states write
their fate with that of
the entire Spouth
P.
docketed April 1861
P.C. Pendleton.
MSS 10159-f
"'Tis past a doubt
all Bedlam," or the D-C,
is let out."
The shape of things
in Balto, Maryland & here
is disquieting & contemp-
-tible--to the last degree.
Foolery is ascendant, &
--in my judgment--only
to be got rid of by the ul-
tima ratio.
I am too looking, with
increased eagerness, to
getting--as soon as possible
--to some place where
"From the look-holes of which,
to peep at such a world."
I wish & intend to get
to Berkeley Springs, in a
few weeks--or sooner if
circumstances may so direct.
I am anxious to know
your programme.
Pray inform me;
Yrs affectly
P[hilip].C.P[endleton]
J[ohn]. P[endleton]. K[ennedy]esq.
over------
[page 2]
Were you not asto-
nished -- aye--astounded
at this act of secession
by our Virginia conven-
tion? I was & am.
The influences -- other
than want of sense or
want of integrity that
achieved it, are inexpli-
-cable to me--but I do not
doubt, that they are now
being brought to bear
upon Maryland.
I can not imagine what
they are, unless it be, a
thoroughly ascertained
determination by England
& France to interfere--
but interfere, only in the
contigency that the Bor-
-der slave states write
their fate with that of
the entire Spouth
P.
docketed April 1861
P.C. Pendleton.
MSS 10159-f
1861 April 29 Powhatan
Gen. Jno Cocke
My Dear Brother!
I had the pleasure of reciev
ing a letter from you, some two months since, and
have been waiting to hear of your return to Va
that I might reply: and having just recieved
a letter from our esteemed and excellent friend
Miss Gray, informing me of your arrival, at
Bremo, I hasten to write to you to express my
thanks for the Kind and brotherly letter you
wrote me, and to congratulate you on your
safe return to your endeared home and
friends I feel thankful to the Father of
mercies that your valuable life has
been preserved through another winter
and that your health is still comfortable.
My own health I trust is slowly im-
proving amid my bodily afflictions I
have some things to be especially thankful
for. I have not suffered much bodily
pain and been able with impunity to
preach short sermons and do some
[page 2]
some pastoral work. Mrs Tyree whose
health has also improved joins me in
affectionate regard to yourself and our
friend Miss Gray. We intend making you
a visit early in the summer. When we
shall learn that you will be at home
we will fix the time. I design that
the visit shall include a Sab. to be
spent at the old Brick [church]
I had the pleasure on the past evening
of visiting the family of your Son at Belmeade.
They are remarkably calm, considering the
intensely excited and perilous condition
of our Country, and that your son &
grandson are away in the front of
danger. It is hard to realize the
state of things we are in. Unless God
in answer to the prayers of his people,
interposes, one of the bloodiest wars
known in history is just on us. I
cannot see how it will be averted.
The wronged, indignant South can-
not and ought not to yield. The wicked
fanatical and tyranical North I fear
will not and yet the God of providence
and of nations reigns. He can
[page 3]
with infinite ease avert the terrible im-
pending calamity, which now seems so
inevitable. The danger is that Southern
Christians in seeking to redress our wrongs
with the sword will lose the spirit of
Christ and cease to implore divine
help. Though unquestionable in the
right if we become vindictive and
prayerless, God may abandon us to heavy
judgment. I am anxious that my
churches should not lose the Christian
in the citizen in the great crisis, and
hence expect to preach to them on the
subject on next Sab. week.
The appointment of your son Philip
was recieved as most gratifying to his
many friends in this Co. Say to Miss
Gray I will answer her letter
soon. Hoping to hear from you soon
or see you in Powhatan. I
Remain your bro. in Christ
Tyree
Gen. Jno. H. Cocke
[docketed: Tyree, Rev. C. ans. 2 May 61 and Do. 8th]
MSS 640
My Dear Brother!
I had the pleasure of reciev
ing a letter from you, some two months since, and
have been waiting to hear of your return to Va
that I might reply: and having just recieved
a letter from our esteemed and excellent friend
Miss Gray, informing me of your arrival, at
Bremo, I hasten to write to you to express my
thanks for the Kind and brotherly letter you
wrote me, and to congratulate you on your
safe return to your endeared home and
friends I feel thankful to the Father of
mercies that your valuable life has
been preserved through another winter
and that your health is still comfortable.
My own health I trust is slowly im-
proving amid my bodily afflictions I
have some things to be especially thankful
for. I have not suffered much bodily
pain and been able with impunity to
preach short sermons and do some
[page 2]
some pastoral work. Mrs Tyree whose
health has also improved joins me in
affectionate regard to yourself and our
friend Miss Gray. We intend making you
a visit early in the summer. When we
shall learn that you will be at home
we will fix the time. I design that
the visit shall include a Sab. to be
spent at the old Brick [church]
I had the pleasure on the past evening
of visiting the family of your Son at Belmeade.
They are remarkably calm, considering the
intensely excited and perilous condition
of our Country, and that your son &
grandson are away in the front of
danger. It is hard to realize the
state of things we are in. Unless God
in answer to the prayers of his people,
interposes, one of the bloodiest wars
known in history is just on us. I
cannot see how it will be averted.
The wronged, indignant South can-
not and ought not to yield. The wicked
fanatical and tyranical North I fear
will not and yet the God of providence
and of nations reigns. He can
[page 3]
with infinite ease avert the terrible im-
pending calamity, which now seems so
inevitable. The danger is that Southern
Christians in seeking to redress our wrongs
with the sword will lose the spirit of
Christ and cease to implore divine
help. Though unquestionable in the
right if we become vindictive and
prayerless, God may abandon us to heavy
judgment. I am anxious that my
churches should not lose the Christian
in the citizen in the great crisis, and
hence expect to preach to them on the
subject on next Sab. week.
The appointment of your son Philip
was recieved as most gratifying to his
many friends in this Co. Say to Miss
Gray I will answer her letter
soon. Hoping to hear from you soon
or see you in Powhatan. I
Remain your bro. in Christ
Tyree
Gen. Jno. H. Cocke
[docketed: Tyree, Rev. C. ans. 2 May 61 and Do. 8th]
MSS 640
Thursday, April 28, 2011
1861April 28 Harper's Ferry
Harpers Ferry April 28th 61
Dear Ma
As I have another opportu-
nity to write, I will do so, though I’ve Just written
to Sister a day or two ago, but was disappointed
in get[t]ing it off, as soon as I expected, as Tip
Johnson, who expected to have started home last Friday
was left. I will never let another opportunity pass
without writing if I can possibly find the time to
write. It is a real undertaking to commence a
letter here, as I’m interupted so often & there
is so much confusion. The letters were received
Friday, & you can well imagine how glad I was
to hear from you all at home. The papers were
also gladly received, they were a great treat to
me, as they were the first Richmond papers I’ve
seen since I left, we see the Baltimore sun right often
The little testament was also received, which I prize
very highly, I will read it every day if I can,
and hope it will be a benefit to me. It makes me
think of you all very much this morning at home
as It is Sunday, & I know you are all having a quiet
time of it at home this morning. It does not look
anything like Sunday to me, but I’m my
qu rather more quietor than I was last Sunday, as
it is raining too hard to be out to day on drill
[page 2]
If it stops raining to day, we will move our quarters
up in Bolivar, a little place adjoining this, I do n’t
know how good the quarters are, am afraid they are not
as good as our present, I do n’t know why we are
to be moved. A good many of the other Companies are to be
moved to the same place, Cousine Will Ashby’s company amongst
them. I saw a letter to Will Ashby the other day
from Aunt Kate, they were all well. Cousine Jack
Pendleton was pointed out to me yesterday, while we
were parading on the field, I do n’t know what he
is doing here, or where he is staying, I think he is
a right handsome old Gentleman.
Garret Gooch was here this morning to see us, he came
on business & will return this evening. He laughed at us
very much, & asked us if we ever washed our faces,
said they did n’t look as if they were washed lately.
I’ve Just dined, & a fine dinner we had, beef & potatoes
I do n’t think the beef was quite as tough a usual
to day. Ma, I wish you could see us dining once,
I reckon you would laugh to see me march up
& get my tin cup & plate. Some of the men complain
very much of the fare, but I know there is no use
of complain[in]g, & therefore keep very silent. I thought
while I was eating to day, that I would enjoy a
cold dinner very much at home. Joe & I laugh at
one each another very much about our eating, sleeping &C _
Our Company has increased very much since we left,
some of our recruits were not very much pleased with our
way of living, & therefore left the next day.
[page 3]
Tell Mr. Thompson & Henry Chiles, that I would like
very much to see them here, but if they are as
smart as I am now, they will stay home, as
long as they can. I want to be with you
all at home very much, but know it is impos-
sible at present, & therefore I try to be satisfied as
well as I can, & hope you will do the same, & not
make yr self uneasy about me. I reckon
we will remain here until all of the machinery
is removed, they are moving it now very fast, I
reckon it will take at least a month yet to finish.
It is very probable that we will have to go to
Richmond or someother place before we come Home.
I would like very much to hear from Penny,
let me hear something about him when you write
Joe & Mr Bickers are well, both send best love –
If you have an opportunity, please send me
one or two shirts, a few collars & two or three coarse
towels. I’m very well & have been the whole
time with the exception of a cold, which is
nearly well now. I’m afraid you ca n’t read
this as it is written so badly, I can’t get
a pen & ink at all. My best love to all at
home, Aunt Cynthia’s, & all inquiring friends –
I remain as ever yr devoted
& most Aff son
Edloe
Write whenever you can.
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
Philip Edloe Jones and his brothers John William Jones, and Francis Pendleton Jones all served in the Louisa Blues, 13th Virginia Infantry. John W. was later famous as the author of Christ in the Camp.
MSS 13407
1861 April 28 Richmond, Va.
Hd. Qrs. Va. Forces
Special Orders
No. 7
Colonel Thomas J. Jackson Va
volunteers, having been assigned to the duty
of mustering into the service volunteers at Harpers
Ferry, and to the command of that place,
Major General Kenton Harper of the Va
militia, now in command there and the militia
troops under him, are relieved from duty until
further orders. Great credit & commendation
is due to Genl Harper and his command for
the alacrity with which they came to the
defence of that part of their State.
By order of Maj Genl Lee
R. S. Garnett
Adjutant General
[docketed on back?]
S O no 7
Apr 28
RS Garnett
TJ Jackson
Apr 30
Special Orders
No. 7
Colonel Thomas J. Jackson Va
volunteers, having been assigned to the duty
of mustering into the service volunteers at Harpers
Ferry, and to the command of that place,
Major General Kenton Harper of the Va
militia, now in command there and the militia
troops under him, are relieved from duty until
further orders. Great credit & commendation
is due to Genl Harper and his command for
the alacrity with which they came to the
defence of that part of their State.
By order of Maj Genl Lee
R. S. Garnett
Adjutant General
[docketed on back?]
S O no 7
Apr 28
RS Garnett
TJ Jackson
Apr 30
1861 April 28 Culpeper C.H.
Dear Uncle Charles [Cocke];
I write at
Papa's request to you to send
your horse Tallyho by the
boy Sterling who will ride
him to Charlottesville and
from thence to Culpeper
C.H. ^'in a week' which is now his
Head quarters. Please give
the boy the necessary directions
about the road, and when
he may get information
from Charlottesville to this
pace Culpeper C.H.
I have not time to write more
so please excust brevity.
Love to all
I am yr affect nephew
Jno Cocke
[[in top margin]
Please give him the requisite passes.
MSS 640
I write at
Papa's request to you to send
your horse Tallyho by the
boy Sterling who will ride
him to Charlottesville and
from thence to Culpeper
C.H. ^'in a week' which is now his
Head quarters. Please give
the boy the necessary directions
about the road, and when
he may get information
from Charlottesville to this
pace Culpeper C.H.
I have not time to write more
so please excust brevity.
Love to all
I am yr affect nephew
Jno Cocke
[[in top margin]
Please give him the requisite passes.
MSS 640
1861 April 28 Elmwood
Dear Agnes,
I arrived at home on Thursday, after a
pleasant trip, unattended with any thing worthy of
remark. I found the Captain of the "Valley" a very
agreeable and gentlemanly man, and the boat well
managed and comfortable. I arrived in Cincinnati in
time for the evening cars on Tuesday and did not delay
in taking my departure from that black Republican City
arriving in St Louis on Wednesday at about 10 o clock.
I found several of the neighbors in the city, namely
Doct Wilson, Doct Talley, D.K. Pitman and others, who
informed me of home, and quieted my mind in regard to
that matter, and reached home on Thursday about noon.
Since I have been at home, I have been busy looking
around to see what has been done in my absence, and
have come to the conclusion that Mr Sleet has done as
well as I could have done had I been here. He has
attended to the garden, and planted such vegetables as
we are in the habit of raising. But the Guineas had
destroyed all of the first planting of the peas. I shall
see that they commit no more depredations, upon the
forfeiture of their lives. We are busily engaged in planting
corn, and hope to get done in another week. I have not
seen any of Mr Woodson's family, but I believe all are well.
The Bates family are making preparations for removing
[page 2]
to Washington City, having rented out their house and
about disposing of their furniture. The girls intend
making a trip to our neighborhood before their departure
to spend a few days. It would not astonish me, if the City
of Washington is in ruins before they arrive there, for it
seems to be the prevalent opinion here, that Jeff Davis intends to
concentrate his army thereabouts, and the northern army is
making for that point also. As circumstances now indicate
the great battle of the country will be fought there.
The Secession feeling in this State is fast gaining strength
and public meetings are being held in all parts declaring
that their sentiments and their sympathies are for the South
and in some places I hear of the Secession flag being floating
in the breeze. God only knows what the end will be.
The currency of the country has depreciated, and our money
at home is at a discount of 10 per cent. You had better pay
your fare on the boat before you leave Kanawha, and if you
can, get specia to pay your R Road fare to St Louis for in
Cincinnati they will shave any paper you can get in Va.
I was over to see Mrs Wharton yesterday and found her about
as usual. She is much disturbed at the condition of the
Country and seems to deeply lament the dissolution of our once
glorious union. Doct Wilson has just left, and I resume the
pleasing duty of communicating my thoughts. We are in a crisis. I
feel that it is exceedingly doubtful whether or not we will be left
with a competence or not. Whatthe course of the admn. at Washington will adopt, is uncertain. It seems from the present indications, that
the Slave states are to be subjugated, if it be possible to do it
[page 3]
All the arms ^'(25 thousand muskets)' have been removed from St. Louis, and have
been sent to Springfield Ill. This was done in the night, and
we are now, without any means of defence save our fowling
pieces, and without the means of getting the proper arms of
defence from abroad. But I will cease to dwell on this
melancholy subject longer. I shall endeavor to make
as much crop as I can and should we be let alone
we can have the means of living within ourselves, (that
is), what is necessary to sustain life--All that we can with
reason hope for, is, to be able to meet the demands of nature, and
with this, we must be content. All the neighbors are well so far as
I have learned, and are busily engaged in farming operations. I found
a letter from Eliza dated the 3rd Inst. and have not recd any other as
yet. I expect the mails are interrupted on the way, or surely I would
receive letters from her, punctual as she has always been. I shall
write her this evening and inform her of things at home, and enquire
why she has not written frequently. Bates has written a short
letter to you which I enclose. He is as fond of hunting & fishing as ever
but insists that he studies well at school. I did not go to church
to day as Mr Watson preaches at Pauldingville. My intention is
to stay close at home, and watch the movement of things, and
if the emergency comes Doct Wilson and myself have agreed that
we will take the servants by land through Arkansas to Texas. But
this is private talk. I shall write you again in a few days
& will keep you posted in regard to home matters. Love to all the
families at your Brother Nats' & Mr Ruffins'. Kiss little Julia for me,
Affectionately yours
R B Frayser
MSS 14861
I arrived at home on Thursday, after a
pleasant trip, unattended with any thing worthy of
remark. I found the Captain of the "Valley" a very
agreeable and gentlemanly man, and the boat well
managed and comfortable. I arrived in Cincinnati in
time for the evening cars on Tuesday and did not delay
in taking my departure from that black Republican City
arriving in St Louis on Wednesday at about 10 o clock.
I found several of the neighbors in the city, namely
Doct Wilson, Doct Talley, D.K. Pitman and others, who
informed me of home, and quieted my mind in regard to
that matter, and reached home on Thursday about noon.
Since I have been at home, I have been busy looking
around to see what has been done in my absence, and
have come to the conclusion that Mr Sleet has done as
well as I could have done had I been here. He has
attended to the garden, and planted such vegetables as
we are in the habit of raising. But the Guineas had
destroyed all of the first planting of the peas. I shall
see that they commit no more depredations, upon the
forfeiture of their lives. We are busily engaged in planting
corn, and hope to get done in another week. I have not
seen any of Mr Woodson's family, but I believe all are well.
The Bates family are making preparations for removing
[page 2]
to Washington City, having rented out their house and
about disposing of their furniture. The girls intend
making a trip to our neighborhood before their departure
to spend a few days. It would not astonish me, if the City
of Washington is in ruins before they arrive there, for it
seems to be the prevalent opinion here, that Jeff Davis intends to
concentrate his army thereabouts, and the northern army is
making for that point also. As circumstances now indicate
the great battle of the country will be fought there.
The Secession feeling in this State is fast gaining strength
and public meetings are being held in all parts declaring
that their sentiments and their sympathies are for the South
and in some places I hear of the Secession flag being floating
in the breeze. God only knows what the end will be.
The currency of the country has depreciated, and our money
at home is at a discount of 10 per cent. You had better pay
your fare on the boat before you leave Kanawha, and if you
can, get specia to pay your R Road fare to St Louis for in
Cincinnati they will shave any paper you can get in Va.
I was over to see Mrs Wharton yesterday and found her about
as usual. She is much disturbed at the condition of the
Country and seems to deeply lament the dissolution of our once
glorious union. Doct Wilson has just left, and I resume the
pleasing duty of communicating my thoughts. We are in a crisis. I
feel that it is exceedingly doubtful whether or not we will be left
with a competence or not. What
the Slave states are to be subjugated, if it be possible to do it
[page 3]
All the arms ^'(25 thousand muskets)' have been removed from St. Louis, and have
been sent to Springfield Ill. This was done in the night, and
we are now, without any means of defence save our fowling
pieces, and without the means of getting the proper arms of
defence from abroad. But I will cease to dwell on this
melancholy subject longer. I shall endeavor to make
as much crop as I can and should we be let alone
we can have the means of living within ourselves, (that
is), what is necessary to sustain life--All that we can with
reason hope for, is, to be able to meet the demands of nature, and
with this, we must be content. All the neighbors are well so far as
I have learned, and are busily engaged in farming operations. I found
a letter from Eliza dated the 3rd Inst. and have not recd any other as
yet. I expect the mails are interrupted on the way, or surely I would
receive letters from her, punctual as she has always been. I shall
write her this evening and inform her of things at home, and enquire
why she has not written frequently. Bates has written a short
letter to you which I enclose. He is as fond of hunting & fishing as ever
but insists that he studies well at school. I did not go to church
to day as Mr Watson preaches at Pauldingville. My intention is
to stay close at home, and watch the movement of things, and
if the emergency comes Doct Wilson and myself have agreed that
we will take the servants by land through Arkansas to Texas. But
this is private talk. I shall write you again in a few days
& will keep you posted in regard to home matters. Love to all the
families at your Brother Nats' & Mr Ruffins'. Kiss little Julia for me,
Affectionately yours
R B Frayser
MSS 14861
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
1861 April 27 Boston
Under the Washington Elm, Cambridge, April 27, 1861
a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes
Eighty years have passed, and more,
Since under the brave old tree
Our fathers gathered in arms and swore
They would follow the sign their banners bore,
And fight till the land was free.
Half of their work was done,
Half is left to do,--
Cambridge, and Concord, and Lexington!
When the battle is fought and won,
What shall be told of you?
Hark!--'tis the south wind moans,--
Who are the martyrs down?
Ah, the marrow was true in your children's bones,
That sprinkled with blood the cursed stones
Of the murder-haunted town!
What if the storm-clouds blow?
What if the green leaves fall?
Better the crashing tempest's throe
Than the army of worms that gnawed below;
Trample them one and all!
Then when the battle is won,
And the land from traitors free,
Our children shall tell of the strife begun
When Liberty's second April sun
Was bright on our brave old tree!
From Chimes of Freedom and Union, a Collection of Poems for the Times
published in Boston by Benjamin B. Russell, 1861.
Included poems by Holmes, Jean Greenleaf Whittier, William Cullen Bryant and other noted poets of the time.
PS1959 .A7 v.1 no. 3
a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes
Eighty years have passed, and more,
Since under the brave old tree
Our fathers gathered in arms and swore
They would follow the sign their banners bore,
And fight till the land was free.
Half of their work was done,
Half is left to do,--
Cambridge, and Concord, and Lexington!
When the battle is fought and won,
What shall be told of you?
Hark!--'tis the south wind moans,--
Who are the martyrs down?
Ah, the marrow was true in your children's bones,
That sprinkled with blood the cursed stones
Of the murder-haunted town!
What if the storm-clouds blow?
What if the green leaves fall?
Better the crashing tempest's throe
Than the army of worms that gnawed below;
Trample them one and all!
Then when the battle is won,
And the land from traitors free,
Our children shall tell of the strife begun
When Liberty's second April sun
Was bright on our brave old tree!
From Chimes of Freedom and Union, a Collection of Poems for the Times
published in Boston by Benjamin B. Russell, 1861.
Included poems by Holmes, Jean Greenleaf Whittier, William Cullen Bryant and other noted poets of the time.
PS1959 .A7 v.1 no. 3
1861 April 27 Staunton [Va.]
My dear General
Allow an old friend of
your self and yours to introduce to you
kindly regards John H. Mc Cue Esq formerly
of Staunton but now of Nelson County –
Mr. Mc Cue is a gentleman of very
high character, of sterling integrity, & of unflinching
firmness and courage: and is ardently anxious
to serve his native State in some military
post - He has not had a military education
; being a lawyer by profession; but I am sure
animated by the fearless spirit of a true Virginian
, he would discharge his duties with discretion
and with intrepid valour. I know not whether
any post at your disposal would be suitable for
him: I write this letter chiefly, that he may be
enabled to refer to you in case of need: and I can
assure you that you may endorse him as a
gentleman, a man of honor and intellect, and of
fine chivalric courage –
None rejoice more than myself that Virginia’s
honor and safety are, in a great measure, con-
fided to your keeping: May God guide and
[page 2]
protect you and enable you to achieve victory and
peace! Your friend
Hugh W. Sheffey
Major Gen R. E. Lee
MSS 4406
Allow an old friend of
your self and yours to introduce to you
kindly regards John H. Mc Cue Esq formerly
of Staunton but now of Nelson County –
Mr. Mc Cue is a gentleman of very
high character, of sterling integrity, & of unflinching
firmness and courage: and is ardently anxious
to serve his native State in some military
post - He has not had a military education
; being a lawyer by profession; but I am sure
animated by the fearless spirit of a true Virginian
, he would discharge his duties with discretion
and with intrepid valour. I know not whether
any post at your disposal would be suitable for
him: I write this letter chiefly, that he may be
enabled to refer to you in case of need: and I can
assure you that you may endorse him as a
gentleman, a man of honor and intellect, and of
fine chivalric courage –
None rejoice more than myself that Virginia’s
honor and safety are, in a great measure, con-
fided to your keeping: May God guide and
[page 2]
protect you and enable you to achieve victory and
peace! Your friend
Hugh W. Sheffey
Major Gen R. E. Lee
MSS 4406
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
1861 April 26 Alexandria Va
Dear Sir--Should you wish to com-
municate with me in regard to
Telegraph matters, please address me
at Petersburg Va.
Any service I can render you
[and?] the State in superintending lines,
supplying offices with operators &c
[wi]ll be done with the greatest pleasure
Very respectfully
J.T. Coldwell, Supt
Sec of W&N.O. Tel.
To Genl Cocke
Present
[in top margin]
offers to supply operators &c in connection
with Telegraph offices &c
MSS 640
municate with me in regard to
Telegraph matters, please address me
at Petersburg Va.
Any service I can render you
[and?] the State in superintending lines,
supplying offices with operators &c
[wi]ll be done with the greatest pleasure
Very respectfully
J.T. Coldwell, Supt
Sec of W&N.O. Tel.
To Genl Cocke
Present
[in top margin]
offers to supply operators &c in connection
with Telegraph offices &c
MSS 640
1861 April 26 Hd Qrs Va Forces Richmond Va
Special Orders
No 1
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel
Jones , Virginia Volunteers, is assigned to
duty as Asst. Adjutant General.
He will repair without delay to
Alexandria, and report for duty to Major
General Philip St Geo. Cock.
By order of Maj. Genl Lee
R.S. Garnett
Adjutant General
MSS 640
No 1
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel
Jones , Virginia Volunteers, is assigned to
duty as Asst. Adjutant General.
He will repair without delay to
Alexandria, and report for duty to Major
General Philip St Geo. Cock.
By order of Maj. Genl Lee
R.S. Garnett
Adjutant General
MSS 640
1861 April 25 Richmond, Va. Executive Office
Col. Cary C. Cocke
Exchange Hotel
Dear Sir:
I am directed
by the Governor to acknowledge the rect of your
favor of the 24th Inst. and to assure you of
his high appreciation of your generous offer
to the State.
The offices to which you refer have not
been vacated by the Convention.
It will afford His Excellency pleasure
to serve you----
I am most Resptly
Your obdt Servt
R H Catlett
(Military Secretary
to the Governor
MSS 640
Exchange Hotel
Dear Sir:
I am directed
by the Governor to acknowledge the rect of your
favor of the 24th Inst. and to assure you of
his high appreciation of your generous offer
to the State.
The offices to which you refer have not
been vacated by the Convention.
It will afford His Excellency pleasure
to serve you----
I am most Resptly
Your obdt Servt
R H Catlett
(Military Secretary
to the Governor
MSS 640
Monday, April 25, 2011
[1861 April 24]
To the Hon John Letcher
Governor of Virginia
Sir--I take the first moment
of my arrival in the city to tender to you
my services in defence of Virginia; and
now that the time is upon us when all her
true people should rally to protect her
soil against the polluting footprints
of the userpers I beg leave to offer
thro her Executive the use of my
whole private property whenever it
is needed in the second great
battle which it appears must be
fought to secure the rights &
liberties of her people- and I ask
to be placed in some position of ser-
vice where I may do what I can
[page 2]
to aid in securing her defences.
I learn today the commissions
of the militia offices are to be
vacated upon ordinance--and if
the commission I hold shall
thus be recalled, I ask authority
thro your excellency's influence
toraise ^'enlist' without delay a regiment
to go into the service of Virginia
and a commission from the
[?] department that shall
give strength & force to the
object--
very respectfuly
[unsigned draft; in the hand of Charles Cary Cocke]
MSS 640
Governor of Virginia
Sir--I take the first moment
of my arrival in the city to tender to you
my services in defence of Virginia; and
now that the time is upon us when all her
true people should rally to protect her
soil against the polluting footprints
of the userpers I beg leave to offer
thro her Executive the use of my
whole private property whenever it
is needed in the second great
battle which it appears must be
fought to secure the rights &
liberties of her people- and I ask
to be placed in some position of ser-
vice where I may do what I can
[page 2]
to aid in securing her defences.
I learn today the commissions
of the militia offices are to be
vacated upon ordinance--and if
the commission I hold shall
thus be recalled, I ask authority
thro your excellency's influence
to
to go into the service of Virginia
and a commission from the
[?] department that shall
give strength & force to the
object--
very respectfuly
[unsigned draft; in the hand of Charles Cary Cocke]
MSS 640
1861 April 24 Richmond, Va.
[Written across the top of the cover page of a copy owned by Philip St. George Cocke:
See that all the troops vote
J.R. Tucker]
BY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
A PROCLAMATION
The convention of the commonwealth of Virginia having
adopted, on the 17th day of April 1861, an ordinance "to
repeal the ratification of the constitution of the United
States of America, by the state of Virginia, and to resume
all the rights and powers granted under said constitution,"
and by the schedule thereto annexed, required polls to be
opened for the ratification or rejection of the same by the
people of this state, on the fourth Thursday in May next:
Now, therefore, I, JOHN LETCHER, governor of the com-
monwealth of Virginia, do hereby proclaim, that the annexed
is an authentic copy of the said ordinance and schedule, and
that all officers designated therein are required to conform to
its provisions in every respect.
Given under my hand as governor, and under the seal
of the commonwealth at Richmond, this 24th day
of April 1861, and in the 85th year of the com-
monwealth.
JOHN LETCHER
AN ORDINANCE
To Repeal the Ratification of the Constitution of the
United States of America, by the State of Virginia,
and to Resume all the Rights and Powers granted
under said Constitution.
____________________________________________________
The people of Virginia, in their ratification of the consti-
tution of the United States of America adopted by them in
convention, on the twenty-fifth day of June, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight,
having declared that the powers granted under the said con-
stitution, were derived from the people of the United States,
and might be resumed whensoever the same should be per-
verted to their injury and oppression; and the federal govern-
ment having perverted said powers not only to the injury of
the people of Virginia, but to the oppression of the southern
slaveholding states:
Now, therefore, we, the people of Virginia, do declare and
ordain that the ordinance adopted by the people of this state
in convention, on the twenty-fifth day of June, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight
whereby the constitution of the United States of America
was ratified; and all acts of the general assembly of this
state ratifying or adopting amendments to said constitution,
are hereby repealed and abrogated; that the union between
the state of Virginia and the other states under the constitu-
tion aforesaid, is hereby dissolved, and that the state of Vir-
ginia is in the full possession and excercise of all the rights of
sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and inde-
pendent state. And they do further declare that said consti-
tution of the United States of America is no longer binding
on any of the citizens of this state.
This ordinance shall take effect and be an act of this day,
when ratified by a majority of the votes of the people of this
state, cast at a poll to be taken thereon, on the fourth Thurs-
day in May next, in pursuance of a schedule hereafter to be
enacted.
Done in convention in the city of Richmond, on the seven-
teenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth
year of the commonwealth of Virginia.
A true copy.
Jno. L. Eubank,
Secretary of Con'n.
E440.5 .V5 1861; duplicate in MSS 640
See that all the troops vote
J.R. Tucker]
BY THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
A PROCLAMATION
The convention of the commonwealth of Virginia having
adopted, on the 17th day of April 1861, an ordinance "to
repeal the ratification of the constitution of the United
States of America, by the state of Virginia, and to resume
all the rights and powers granted under said constitution,"
and by the schedule thereto annexed, required polls to be
opened for the ratification or rejection of the same by the
people of this state, on the fourth Thursday in May next:
Now, therefore, I, JOHN LETCHER, governor of the com-
monwealth of Virginia, do hereby proclaim, that the annexed
is an authentic copy of the said ordinance and schedule, and
that all officers designated therein are required to conform to
its provisions in every respect.
Given under my hand as governor, and under the seal
of the commonwealth at Richmond, this 24th day
of April 1861, and in the 85th year of the com-
monwealth.
JOHN LETCHER
AN ORDINANCE
To Repeal the Ratification of the Constitution of the
United States of America, by the State of Virginia,
and to Resume all the Rights and Powers granted
under said Constitution.
____________________________________________________
The people of Virginia, in their ratification of the consti-
tution of the United States of America adopted by them in
convention, on the twenty-fifth day of June, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight,
having declared that the powers granted under the said con-
stitution, were derived from the people of the United States,
and might be resumed whensoever the same should be per-
verted to their injury and oppression; and the federal govern-
ment having perverted said powers not only to the injury of
the people of Virginia, but to the oppression of the southern
slaveholding states:
Now, therefore, we, the people of Virginia, do declare and
ordain that the ordinance adopted by the people of this state
in convention, on the twenty-fifth day of June, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight
whereby the constitution of the United States of America
was ratified; and all acts of the general assembly of this
state ratifying or adopting amendments to said constitution,
are hereby repealed and abrogated; that the union between
the state of Virginia and the other states under the constitu-
tion aforesaid, is hereby dissolved, and that the state of Vir-
ginia is in the full possession and excercise of all the rights of
sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and inde-
pendent state. And they do further declare that said consti-
tution of the United States of America is no longer binding
on any of the citizens of this state.
This ordinance shall take effect and be an act of this day,
when ratified by a majority of the votes of the people of this
state, cast at a poll to be taken thereon, on the fourth Thurs-
day in May next, in pursuance of a schedule hereafter to be
enacted.
Done in convention in the city of Richmond, on the seven-
teenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty-one, and in the eighty-fifth
year of the commonwealth of Virginia.
A true copy.
Jno. L. Eubank,
Secretary of Con'n.
E440.5 .V5 1861; duplicate in MSS 640
1861 April 23 Madison Co. Va.
Dear Father
The excitement
in this county on account of
the state of public affairs is
so great that every thing
like a business has come to a
stand almost. I have dis-
missed my school, and joined
the Richardson Guards who
are now drilling every day
at the Madison C. H. and every
day expecting an order from
the governor to march.
No one abhors war more than
I do but when our rights
are in danger I think it
is the duty of every young
[page 2]
man especially to take up arms
in defense of his country.
I have no other news to write
as this is almost the only
thing that is talked of now
I will leave my trunk at
Capt. Wm Thomas'. His wife will
take care of the key. So if
I should be among those
whose lot it may be fall
in defence of my country
you may know where to get
my papers. I have paid all
my debts except a balance
of 10 or 12 dollars which I
owe cousin Frank, and a
bond of about five dollars
held by Finks & [Kelso?] in this
neighborhood. Let your prayers
daily ascend to God that I
may be preserved against
[page 3]
those vices so common among
soldiers, that I may hold on
to my Christian integrity. For
I feel my weakness and need
of help from him who has
promised to help all who
may call upon him with a
pure heart. Give my love
to all inquiring friends
and to the children
Your Son
James H. Watson
Watson, a 1st Sgt., Co. A, 7th Regt. Virginia Infantry was killed September 14, 1862 in an engagement at South Mountain
MSS 7130-a
The excitement
in this county on account of
the state of public affairs is
so great that every thing
like a business has come to a
stand almost. I have dis-
missed my school, and joined
the Richardson Guards who
are now drilling every day
at the Madison C. H. and every
day expecting an order from
the governor to march.
No one abhors war more than
I do but when our rights
are in danger I think it
is the duty of every young
[page 2]
man especially to take up arms
in defense of his country.
I have no other news to write
as this is almost the only
thing that is talked of now
I will leave my trunk at
Capt. Wm Thomas'. His wife will
take care of the key. So if
I should be among those
whose lot it may be fall
in defence of my country
you may know where to get
my papers. I have paid all
my debts except a balance
of 10 or 12 dollars which I
owe cousin Frank, and a
bond of about five dollars
held by Finks & [Kelso?] in this
neighborhood. Let your prayers
daily ascend to God that I
may be preserved against
[page 3]
those vices so common among
soldiers, that I may hold on
to my Christian integrity. For
I feel my weakness and need
of help from him who has
promised to help all who
may call upon him with a
pure heart. Give my love
to all inquiring friends
and to the children
Your Son
James H. Watson
Watson, a 1st Sgt., Co. A, 7th Regt. Virginia Infantry was killed September 14, 1862 in an engagement at South Mountain
MSS 7130-a
1861 April 23d Richmond, Va.
My dear Sir:
This letter will be handed to you
[[by?] Mr Harris, and I desire that you will re
[port?] to me, the true state of things, in the
[loc]ality of your command. Let me know
[w]hat is the state of feeling amongst the
[pe]ople--what number of troops you have
[an]d the number of efficient and reliable
[m]en--what is doing towards the fortifi-
[ca]tion at the White House--whether any
thing has been done in the way of observa
tion on our side of the Potomac, by our en
emies. I desire full information on all
matters of interest. Send me a report
by Mr Harris.
The President of the Road will pass
Mr Harris on the road, and permit
his return to this city
I am truly
yr friend
John Letcher
P. St. Geo. Cocke
Brig General
Alexandria
[This letter previously pasted in a scrapbook. Left margin partially ripped off when removed.]
MSS 640
This letter will be handed to you
[[by?] Mr Harris, and I desire that you will re
[port?] to me, the true state of things, in the
[loc]ality of your command. Let me know
[w]hat is the state of feeling amongst the
[pe]ople--what number of troops you have
[an]d the number of efficient and reliable
[m]en--what is doing towards the fortifi-
[ca]tion at the White House--whether any
thing has been done in the way of observa
tion on our side of the Potomac, by our en
emies. I desire full information on all
matters of interest. Send me a report
by Mr Harris.
The President of the Road will pass
Mr Harris on the road, and permit
his return to this city
I am truly
yr friend
John Letcher
P. St. Geo. Cocke
Brig General
Alexandria
[This letter previously pasted in a scrapbook. Left margin partially ripped off when removed.]
MSS 640
Friday, April 22, 2011
1861 April 22 Harpers Ferry, Va.
Harpers Ferry April 22nd.
Dear Lute,
I’m again seated in
my quarters at Harpers Ferry, rather unexpectedly.
I did not get expect to get from the Mayraland
Heights as soon as this. I got back this morning
about eleven oclock, did n’t get breakfast
until twelve, and of course had a very good
appetite for it when I did get it. after such a
long & tedious Jou[r]ney. We all had a very rough
time of it on the mountain, as the walking was
so dre^’a’dfully bad, & we had to keep guard all
night, each man had to stand two hours. I had
to stand from ten to twelve. We also had to sleep
on the ground, with our muskets in our arms.
I had a very good nights rest, made a first rate
bed out of leaves, a stump for my pillow, &
a blanket to cover with, some of the Boys could
not sleep well on such beds, but I went to sleep
a nearly directly my head touched the pillow,
& dreamed all night long about you all at Home.
I know you would have laughed af if you had
seen me a little while ago, washing my shirt, colars
& hankerchiefs, it was something I neve[r] did before.
I do n’t know how clean they are, as they are not
[page 2]
dry yet, but I think they are washed very well
for me. Tell Mattie, I wished she would come up &
do my washing for me, as she is so fond of it.
I never eat a meal, but what I wonder, what you
all would say if you could see what I was eating.
I think every thing is very good, but the “old beef”. I
can’t think that is good to safe [save] my life, it is so tough.
I’ve complained often at home, of the coffee, but
do n’t think I’ll every complain of it again, for after
drinking such stuff, as we drink here, I can drink
anything. I reckon Sister would as soon, think of
drinking slop water, as our coffee. Some of our men
found a middling of meat on the mountain, which
was quite a treat to us, we cooked right on the spot.
I bought a “five cent” apple puff this morning, which
I enjoyed very much, as it was the first thing
of the sort I’ve had since I left Home.
When I left Home, I thought I was going to have a
a very nice pleasure trip, did n’t expect to stay more
than than two or three days, well of course, I was some
what disappointed, but now I’ve made up my mind
Just to stay here six months if it is necessary,
for it will be better for me to be satisfied, because
I ca n’t go away, as long as I’m wanted here.
I’ve no idea when I’ll be home, as It is nescessary
to have this place well fortified yet a while.
We don’t think there is any danger of a fight
here now. Seven hundred more men are expected
this evening from Rockingham.
[page 3]
I’m very much afraid you will not get this,
you will not if it goes by Washington as all of
our mail is stopped there, but you may get it
if it goes by Winchester.
Several of men are complaining with colds. Joe
has a cold, though it is better to day. I think I’ve
been very lucky since I left home, as I’ve been very
well since I left. I heard Joe say this morning, that
he had rather be in the store than here. Joe got a
letter from Albin this morning, from Gordonsville,
dated the nineteenth. This is the third letter I’ve written
& have received one. I’m afraid you can’t read this,
for it is written so ba[d]ly, & I can’t get a pen or ink.
I believe Mr. Lane has written to Pa for some things
for the men, tell him to put in a shirt & two or three colars
for me, that is all I need.
You all must not be uneasy about, as there is
no danger now, I know a camp is the most
corrupt & demoralizing place on earth, but I will
try & overcome all temptation, & take Ma’s advice.
Tell Cousine Julia Mr. A[?] is very well. Tell Sister
Page & Bro. Jones & all of them at Home to write to
me. Joe & Mr Br sends their love. My best love to
all at Home, & all my friends. Write very soon
to yr most dvoted Bro.
Edloe Jones
Harpers Ferry
Via Winchester - Cap. Murray
40th Regiment Louisa Blues
MSS 13407
1861 April 22 University of Virginia
From the journal of the Chairman of the Faculty
The ordinance of Secession passed by the
Virginia Convention having been made public,
the Chairman, apprehensive that the students
gone to Harper's Ferry, might, in the excitement
of the times, volunteer for or be ordered to
some new service, to the abandonment of
their proper duties here and to the dissatis-
faction of their parents, repaired to Richmond
to make application to the Governor to
order their return to the University- The ap-
plication was made in writing on the 23d
and promptly granted- The Chairman re-
turned to the University on the 24th, and on
the evening of the same day, the Volunteer
Companies of students returned in anticipation
of the order of the Governor.
The ordinance of Secession passed by the
Virginia Convention having been made public,
the Chairman, apprehensive that the students
gone to Harper's Ferry, might, in the excitement
of the times, volunteer for or be ordered to
some new service, to the abandonment of
their proper duties here and to the dissatis-
faction of their parents, repaired to Richmond
to make application to the Governor to
order their return to the University- The ap-
plication was made in writing on the 23d
and promptly granted- The Chairman re-
turned to the University on the 24th, and on
the evening of the same day, the Volunteer
Companies of students returned in anticipation
of the order of the Governor.
1861 April 22 Lynchburg [Va.]
My dear Lanty
Your letter
just recd. My advice to you
is --considering that you
will be only a couple of months
in Staunton--not to join
a company likely to be
called out--but to attach
yourself to the Home Guard
and drill assiduously--If
the demand continues. you
can join one of compa
nies in the field-
Orders came today for
the Home Guard--the
Rifle Greys--the artillery
and Robert Saunders Company
to march to Richd. Our com
panies will go in the
morg. There is great
excitement of course
and every one is in a
hurry--Your mother
stands the parting very
well--Charles' troop is
ordered to hold itself in
readiness to march at
a moments warning.
He has given up all bus-
iness--refuses [?] &
has devoted himself en-
tirely to his duties as
an officer.
Williams company
is also ordered to Rich.
[page 3]
I do hope to see him in
a day or two.
Affly yrs
WM Blackford
Your letter
just recd. My advice to you
is --considering that you
will be only a couple of months
in Staunton--not to join
a company likely to be
called out--but to attach
yourself to the Home Guard
and drill assiduously--If
the demand continues. you
can join one of compa
nies in the field-
Orders came today for
the Home Guard--the
Rifle Greys--the artillery
and Robert Saunders Company
to march to Richd. Our com
panies will go in the
morg. There is great
excitement of course
and every one is in a
hurry--Your mother
stands the parting very
well--Charles' troop is
ordered to hold itself in
readiness to march at
a moments warning.
He has given up all bus-
iness--refuses [?] &
has devoted himself en-
tirely to his duties as
an officer.
Williams company
is also ordered to Rich.
[page 3]
I do hope to see him in
a day or two.
Affly yrs
WM Blackford
Thursday, April 21, 2011
1861 April 21 Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry April 21st /61
Dear Ma
As I have time this
morning, I will write you a few lines to let
you know how I’m getting along. I got Pa’s
& Lute’s letters yesterday safely, & was very glad
to hear from all the dear ones at home. I would
like very much to hear fro be with you all this
morning at home this morning. It does not look
much like Sunday here, as we have the same to
do, as we do every day. We had prayers this
morning; Mr. Winston read the eig[h]ths chap. Matt.
& Mr. Murray prayed. I’ve just finished breakfast.
& I enjoyed it very much, though it was, what
I call “poor fare”; the fare is “Beef & Bread” in
in the morning; & “Beef & Bread” at night.
You know; Ma, I never did like Coffee, without
it was half milk, well now I’ve learned to
drink it, any without any milk & very little
sugar, & think it is splendid at that. I never
saw any Beef, half as tough in Louisa, as
it is here. I’ll tell you how we eat, well. we
all form a line & are are divided out into squ
squ^’a’ds, four men in each squad, and then march
[page 2]
up to the table & each squad gets it allowance
& goes off in some ^’other’ part of the room to eat; well I
got used to being limited in eating when I was
sick. I had a few nights rest last, and feel
very much refreshed this morning. Joe & I always
sleep together, last night we took our blankets
overcoats &c and got up on a table & made a very
good bed. I told Joe, that I thought his old Bun^’k’
was bad enough, but that was rather worse.
We got up early this morning, blacked our
boots, washed, put on a clean shirt & took a walk
before breakfast.
[The rest of this letter on the following two pages is written in pencil.]
Mayraland [sic]
Dear Ma,
I’m now on the Mayolnd side,
before I could finish my letter, Ill We were
were ordered on this side, about a mile from Harpers
Ferry, on the top of a high mountain, about
30 miles from the Pensyvania line. I never had
such a tramp in all my life, all of us
had to rest several times before we arrived here.
I don’t know when we will go back to H. Ferry,
not before Tuesday morning, I don’t reckon.
We are out here to guard the mountain, and to keep
the enemy from coming here by the Potomack
river, if they should happen to venture to come,
which we all think is very doubtful. I don’t
believe, anybody thinks, there will be any fight here
at all. I suppose yo’ve all heard the news from Baltimore
& Washington. There was a great rejoicing amongst the soldiers
[page 3]
when they heard of the news yesterday, a. A secession
flag was raised yesterday evening at Harpers Ferry
by the soldiers, I never heard such a noise in all my
life as they made when it went up.
We have now between 35 hundred & 4,000 men here now
I met with Dick Bernard yesterday evening,
he came here with the Orange Company, I saw him
for only a few minutes. Met with Will Ashby this
morning on the street. I have not seen will Will Jones
since I got here. I have a good many acquaintances
here he besides besides our own Company. Cap. Turner
Ashby was pointed out to me yesterday, he is kin
to us I believe. Tell Sister Page, her cousine Ro.
Helm is not here, though his Company is
here, I inquired particularly for him & heard he wasn’t here.
Well I must bring my letter to a close, I I dont
reckon you can hardly read it as it is written so badly
& the paper is so dirty. You all must not be uneasy
about me, for I do not think there is any danger
now, for the enemy is afraid to attack us.
I hope I will be with you all soon. I am
as well as I ever was in my life, haven’t had
pain since I left. I am now sitting on a rock &
writing on the head of a drum. Joe & Mr Bickers
send love they are well. Excuse this badly written
letter. I’m afraid you can’t read it. My best
love to every body at Home. write as often as
you can to yr devoted son
Love P. E. Jones
Philip Edloe Jones and his brothers John William Jones and Francis Pendleton Jones all served in the 13th Virginia Infantry. John W. Jones was later known for his memoirs "Christ in the Camp."
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13407
1861 April 21 Staunton, Va.
William M. Blackford, esq.
Lynchburg
My Dear Father
I have been
much disappointed at not getting
a letter from home in reply to my
two of last week. the urgency of the
case causes me to write this Evening
--though Sunday--to repeat my enquiries.
Would you advise me to join a com-
pany of Riflemen now forming here, (in-
fantry), be drilled with them, and go
off with them whenever ordered;
or would you think it better for
the present to attach myself to a
"Home Guard" (to stay at home) also
getting up here, to drill with them
and not leave them for another
company to go on active service, till
I have seen real occasion for it.
In the Rifle company I should have
to incur, I suppose, the expense of a
uniform; in the other not, I believe.
[page 2]
Now if a uniform is to be got I wd.
rather have it for a company to which
I might be permanently attached,
as I should not be to any company
in Staunton, provided I remained there
until the last of June, at which
time I should of course wish to go
to Lynchburg. If there is to be
continued demand for troops I am de-
termined to respond t it, but as a
permanent thing would prefer to be at-
tached to a Lynchburg company.
If I join the "Home Guard" here, and
there is perchance no more demand
for troops for 8 or 9 weeks, I might
then leave them, go home and seek
entrance in some company there ^'or thereto belonging'
I am therefore inclined to the latter
course, but would like to have your
advice. In either event, you observe,
I should have during waiting time
the benefit of drilling--
Please write to me what you
think, and what Charles or Lewis do.
I am anxious to do whatever is my
duty; be that what it may.
I am not amenable to militia duty here, I believe.
[page 3]
One of our Staunton soldiers arrived here this
morning from Harper's Ferry direct; he has
already started back. He reports some
5000 troops there; all pretty well quar-
tered in tents & houses, and in good spirits.
the U.S. troops burnt the arsenal before
clearing out, & destroyed 16000 stand of arms-
(old pattern) 4 or 5000 stand were saved
and of them the Staunton companies have
already supplied themselves with fine Minie
Rifles. The University companies are there,
but there was some talk of them returning
early this week. I hope they may. They
were all well. I sent a letter today
by this soldier to Ran McKim.
There is great enthusiasm and pleasure
here a the course of Maryland.
the Lexington Cadets are to be here this
afternoon en rank for Richmond.
I presume they are to go down by
sail in the morning--Staunton
has been a barracks all the week, al-
most scarcely less than 1000 troops in
all have been through or started hence.
Love to all--In haste
Your affec. Son
L.M. Blackford
[In margin of page 3]
Is there any thing form Eugene?
[In margin of page 1]
Please give me accounts of your military operations, new companies, etc.
MSS 5088
Lynchburg
My Dear Father
I have been
much disappointed at not getting
a letter from home in reply to my
two of last week. the urgency of the
case causes me to write this Evening
--though Sunday--to repeat my enquiries.
Would you advise me to join a com-
pany of Riflemen now forming here, (in-
fantry), be drilled with them, and go
off with them whenever ordered;
or would you think it better for
the present to attach myself to a
"Home Guard" (to stay at home) also
getting up here, to drill with them
and not leave them for another
company to go on active service, till
I have seen real occasion for it.
In the Rifle company I should have
to incur, I suppose, the expense of a
uniform; in the other not, I believe.
[page 2]
Now if a uniform is to be got I wd.
rather have it for a company to which
I might be permanently attached,
as I should not be to any company
in Staunton, provided I remained there
until the last of June, at which
time I should of course wish to go
to Lynchburg. If there is to be
continued demand for troops I am de-
termined to respond t it, but as a
permanent thing would prefer to be at-
tached to a Lynchburg company.
If I join the "Home Guard" here, and
there is perchance no more demand
for troops for 8 or 9 weeks, I might
then leave them, go home and seek
entrance in some company there ^'or thereto belonging'
I am therefore inclined to the latter
course, but would like to have your
advice. In either event, you observe,
I should have during waiting time
the benefit of drilling--
Please write to me what you
think, and what Charles or Lewis do.
I am anxious to do whatever is my
duty; be that what it may.
I am not amenable to militia duty here, I believe.
[page 3]
One of our Staunton soldiers arrived here this
morning from Harper's Ferry direct; he has
already started back. He reports some
5000 troops there; all pretty well quar-
tered in tents & houses, and in good spirits.
the U.S. troops burnt the arsenal before
clearing out, & destroyed 16000 stand of arms-
(old pattern) 4 or 5000 stand were saved
and of them the Staunton companies have
already supplied themselves with fine Minie
Rifles. The University companies are there,
but there was some talk of them returning
early this week. I hope they may. They
were all well. I sent a letter today
by this soldier to Ran McKim.
There is great enthusiasm and pleasure
here a the course of Maryland.
the Lexington Cadets are to be here this
afternoon en rank for Richmond.
I presume they are to go down by
sail in the morning--Staunton
has been a barracks all the week, al-
most scarcely less than 1000 troops in
all have been through or started hence.
Love to all--In haste
Your affec. Son
L.M. Blackford
[In margin of page 3]
Is there any thing form Eugene?
[In margin of page 1]
Please give me accounts of your military operations, new companies, etc.
MSS 5088
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
1861 April 20 Richmond
From account of Richmond grocer W.T. King:
Apr 20 Paid W & G Gwathmey bill Mar 20 $244.00
Apr 20 Paid W & G Gwathmey bill Apr 16 $100.00
Apr 20 family expenses Lily & servants , Exch &c&c&c $50.00
War News Panic Everybody buying "Somebody scared"
MSS 14778
Apr 20 Paid W & G Gwathmey bill Mar 20 $244.00
Apr 20 Paid W & G Gwathmey bill Apr 16 $100.00
Apr 20 family expenses Lily & servants , Exch &c&c&c $50.00
War News Panic Everybody buying "Somebody scared"
MSS 14778
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
1861 April 19 Williamsburg
Dear Sir
The kind promise you made
of assisting to bring the name of Captain R.S. Ewell to
the favorable notice of Governor Letcher has
not been forgotten by me. The following
letter of Gen Scott & extracts from the
reports of the mentioned officers show what
opinion is entertained by the officers of
the U.S. Army of Captain Ewell. They refer
to a part only of his military services. He has
an active experience of 20 years-having left
the Military Academy in 1840-- He is
now in Virginia, direct from the Frontier, &
intends leaving the U.S. Army--I think that,
in the present juncture, his appointment in
the Virginia Forces might prove valuable--
Copies of the letter, & extracts in this sheet have
been sent to the Governor. I am now
on my way to Richmond, partly to see you, on
the subject of cannon for Williamsburg- and
defensive lines just below--Both are of great,
& immediae importance--
Yours sincerely,
Benj. S. Ewell
Philip St George Cocke
MSS 640
The kind promise you made
of assisting to bring the name of Captain R.S. Ewell to
the favorable notice of Governor Letcher has
not been forgotten by me. The following
letter of Gen Scott & extracts from the
reports of the mentioned officers show what
opinion is entertained by the officers of
the U.S. Army of Captain Ewell. They refer
to a part only of his military services. He has
an active experience of 20 years-having left
the Military Academy in 1840-- He is
now in Virginia, direct from the Frontier, &
intends leaving the U.S. Army--I think that,
in the present juncture, his appointment in
the Virginia Forces might prove valuable--
Copies of the letter, & extracts in this sheet have
been sent to the Governor. I am now
on my way to Richmond, partly to see you, on
the subject of cannon for Williamsburg- and
defensive lines just below--Both are of great,
& immediae importance--
Yours sincerely,
Benj. S. Ewell
Philip St George Cocke
MSS 640
1861 April 19 University of Virginia
Dear Father,
If not called to service
now, I suppose I shall be eventually.
Therefore as the Maynard rifle is
the most effective arm in the service,
& as you have or did have some in
the store, do please, if you think proper,
save me one, if the army or if not, of
the sporting size ^'& cartridge cases'. I fear that even
now I may be too late, & that they
are all disposed^'of'. I wrote mother last
night a letter of 10 pages about
two military companies of students
going from the University, as we
have since learned, to Harpers Ferry.
Our Jeff Davis Corps had its first
squad drill this afternoon. It was
a very cool, windy evening, but the
unpleasant beginning did not take
[page 2]
away the zeal. I never liked
tactics before, but now I dont think
any one could drill me too often.
I am in thecomp squad of my
best remaining friend, Walker, who
graduated first in his class with the
rank of captain at the state
Institute of Tennessee.
This afternoon by order of the Faculty
a Southern Confederacy flag was
raised on the top of the Rotunda.
We were addressed by Profs Bledsoe,
Coleman & Maupin & by Prentiss,
the Proctor, assistant Prof Dudley
& a Charlottesville editor.
If you have received my letter,
you know that Prof Bledsoe, who
graduated at West Point & served two
years in the army, is captain
of the University Jeff Davis Corps.
I repeat for fear that you may not
receive the letter. Col Smith, of
VMI, passed by in the cars this
[page 3]
morning. I went down as far
as Charlottesville & had quite a
talk with the Col, now Brigadier
General, I believe. He said that the
cadets would pass here Sunday
morning on their way to Richmond.
Col expects to raise a brigade of 1000
or 1200 men from the present
cadets, old cadets & university &
college students, who will report
to him at Richmond. He will
equip & drill them 6 times a day
until they are thoroughly disciplined.
I believe he proosed to hold them
as a reserve, whose charge will ^'partly' decide
the fate of the day. He expects the
two compaies, which have gone from
here, to join him. Harry Estill,
the first man in my class at W[ashington] C[ollege],
has written to his friends in Lexington
to send him by Major Gilham an
uniform & permission to go. Estill
will join the cadets as they pass here.
[page 4]
He was an hard student & stood
a fine chance to put through three
or four tickets this year. Estill's two
brothers have already gone. He
said he could not study, I have
not seen any one, who is really
studying. I have cooled down
a little, & feel a little more like
study to night. I went to see
Dr. McGuffey thisafternoon eve-
ning. He did not approve of
one or two companies starting off so
poorly equipped. They expected
to be back in two weeks, but they will
doubtless join Col Smith & not
come back at all. Profs here are
trying to be easy on us & favor us as
much as possible. Have not been
among ^'young' ladies for so long, that I am
almost a barbarian. A few sweet
smiles & a slight conversations this
afternoon proved very refreshing. Please write
immediately about the rifle, what you think proper.
Sorry to say that I owe $4.60 & nary to pay
with. Love to all from one, whom they will think
a foolish crazy boy. Your affectionate son JT Allyn Jr.
[on top margin of page 1]
Hurrah for your firing a gun
for Secession!
MSS 3344-a
If not called to service
now, I suppose I shall be eventually.
Therefore as the Maynard rifle is
the most effective arm in the service,
& as you have or did have some in
the store, do please, if you think proper,
save me one, if the army or if not, of
the sporting size ^'& cartridge cases'. I fear that even
now I may be too late, & that they
are all disposed^'of'. I wrote mother last
night a letter of 10 pages about
two military companies of students
going from the University, as we
have since learned, to Harpers Ferry.
Our Jeff Davis Corps had its first
squad drill this afternoon. It was
a very cool, windy evening, but the
unpleasant beginning did not take
[page 2]
away the zeal. I never liked
tactics before, but now I dont think
any one could drill me too often.
I am in the
best remaining friend, Walker, who
graduated first in his class with the
rank of captain at the state
Institute of Tennessee.
This afternoon by order of the Faculty
a Southern Confederacy flag was
raised on the top of the Rotunda.
We were addressed by Profs Bledsoe,
Coleman & Maupin & by Prentiss,
the Proctor, assistant Prof Dudley
& a Charlottesville editor.
If you have received my letter,
you know that Prof Bledsoe, who
graduated at West Point & served two
years in the army, is captain
of the University Jeff Davis Corps.
I repeat for fear that you may not
receive the letter. Col Smith, of
VMI, passed by in the cars this
[page 3]
morning. I went down as far
as Charlottesville & had quite a
talk with the Col, now Brigadier
General, I believe. He said that the
cadets would pass here Sunday
morning on their way to Richmond.
Col expects to raise a brigade of 1000
or 1200 men from the present
cadets, old cadets & university &
college students, who will report
to him at Richmond. He will
equip & drill them 6 times a day
until they are thoroughly disciplined.
I believe he proosed to hold them
as a reserve, whose charge will ^'partly' decide
the fate of the day. He expects the
two compaies, which have gone from
here, to join him. Harry Estill,
the first man in my class at W[ashington] C[ollege],
has written to his friends in Lexington
to send him by Major Gilham an
uniform & permission to go. Estill
will join the cadets as they pass here.
[page 4]
He was an hard student & stood
a fine chance to put through three
or four tickets this year. Estill's two
brothers have already gone. He
said he could not study, I have
not seen any one, who is really
studying. I have cooled down
a little, & feel a little more like
study to night. I went to see
Dr. McGuffey this
ning. He did not approve of
one or two companies starting off so
poorly equipped. They expected
to be back in two weeks, but they will
doubtless join Col Smith & not
come back at all. Profs here are
trying to be easy on us & favor us as
much as possible. Have not been
among ^'young' ladies for so long, that I am
almost a barbarian. A few sweet
smiles & a slight conversations this
afternoon proved very refreshing. Please write
immediately about the rifle, what you think proper.
Sorry to say that I owe $4.60 & nary to pay
with. Love to all from one, whom they will think
a foolish crazy boy. Your affectionate son JT Allyn Jr.
[on top margin of page 1]
Hurrah for your firing a gun
for Secession!
MSS 3344-a
1861 April 18
My dear Son [J. H. Gilmer Jr.]
Virginia has seceded. War,
civil war, with all its attendant
horrors, is now inevitable. Strife
and contention--will usurp the place
of prudence and reason. Passion
will assume the garb of patriot-
ism, and flaunt her gaudy plu-
mes, in the face of all past expe-
rience. There is a gloomy picture
immediately before us, and the
gloom will thicken and inten-
sify, as years pass away, only
noted by national ruin, indivi-
dual suffering, and increased
corruption. the strong arm of mi-
litary power, will rule for a long
time, and under trying circum-
stances. Trading politicians and
low demagogues, will only leave
their accustomed haunts, to re-en-
act their tricks, in the ar-
my, and as government em-
oloyees.
I may not live through
the "fiery ordeal" into which, as
a people we are now precipitated.
I will therefore address you this
letter--not to be read, until the
cessation of hostilities, or my re-
pose in the grave. I may be wrong,
[reverse side of page 1]
in my gloomy anticipations. Indeed
I hope I am. But, such as they
are, I will here reduce t hem to
writing, that you may read them,
when the hand which writes them,
may be cold in the grave, and the
mind which dictates them, in a-
nother and more congenial sphere
of action. They will serve, at least,
to call to our recollection, the re-
flections of one--to whom you are
very dear, and may not be unpro-
fitable, to you, in after years. Such
as they are, you at least, will ap-
preciate them, as flowing from
a mind and heart, which have
always sought elevation, from
a familiar acquaintance with
the writings and works of the
"fathers of the Republic"--and have
ever despised that infectious breed
of low demagogues, who have so
long cursed, and have now ru-
ined our country.
In what I shall now write,
I merely propose to glance at the
probably course and ultimate ter-
mination of the war--which is
now inevitable; and which, in
its developments, will assume
proportions far beyond the ex-
pectations of either government,
rulers, or people. It is well, in
our own persons, to render death
[page 2]
familiar to our thoughts, by constant
and serious reflection, upon its cer-
tain approach. this remark ap-
plies, with equal force to national
disintegration--or political death.
[ten pages of predictions by Gilmer follow including:]
[from page 2]
This war will last much
longer and be far more ruinous,
in its consequences, than is any where
believed. Both the Federal and
Confederate government, will, for
a while profess adherence to the
cardinal principles, on which the
rupture is made. But ultimately,
both governments will cease to
act on them--until finally, in
the heat of mutual combat, both
governments will abandon them,
and assume dictatorial powers....
Both the Federal and Con-
federate government, will display
their want of self-reliance, by co-
quetting with foreign powers. The
South, to procure recognition. The
North to prevent it.....
[from page 4]
Mr Lincoln, is in point
of fact, a mere man of straw. He
will, illustrate his true character,
by maneuvering, for a while, be-
tween the rival parties of the North,
the democratic and Black Repub-
lican. In these his vacillations,
he will, after a while, be jostled
out of his Administrative equine-
mity. In his effort to please both
he will displeasure all men of both
parties, and thus be driven to the
assumption of arbitrary power, as
the commander in chief of the
[page 5]
army and navy, in order to keep
his seat. Mr. Seward, is the real
man of power....
Defeated.
as the united states will be in their
unholy effort to conquer the South,
faction after faction will arise
which will not only weaken the
government, abroad, but will,
in a great measure render it des-
picable in the eyes of a great por-
tion of the northern people.....
Under this aspect of matters--
local, general and pervasive, it
will become necessary for Mr Lincoln
to take sides. As to his elect-
ion, those who have at all con-
sidered the man--will be at no
loss to know, where he will find
himself--in the arms and under
the control of the Black Republi-
cans. He will proclaim univer-
sal emancipation, and thus bid
high for English sympathy. He will
assume dictatorial powers--
issue proclamations--make war on a
nation of his own people--open
wide the gates of his dungeons--In a word,
he will seek to destroy all indi-
vidual and domestic freedom....
[from page 6]
When we turn to the
Confederate states--or rather, The
South, and consider the true
character of the people and
our institutions, all would ap-
pear bright, and promising,-
guaranteeing a brilliant re-
sult, were it not for the real
character of Jefferson Davis...
Mr. Davis is a politi-
cal anomaly--bold, selfish, ar-
rogant, self willed, full of con-
ceit, cunning to a fault, and
without the first conception of
party or personal generosity...At heart a tyrant
....
[from reverse side of page 6]
Fortunately for us, the
People of the South, will not,
even in civil war, barter away
their liberties, for a mere shadow.
[from page 7]
This is my only hope. But for
this assurance I should even
now despair. For I think I
know the heart and purposes of
Mr. Davis. The one is as cold
and selfish, as the others are dark
and sinuous....
Mark my words. Time will
fulfill them. Virginia will
fall a prey to the schemes of
Mr Davis, unless her sons shall
take timely warning, and pro-
perly appreciate his real cha-
racter, For one, I shall watch
hm closely, and mark him
well....
[from page 8]
It is my opinion, that he will
ultimately fail, and from two
causes. 1st From the high spirit of
the southern people and arm. 2nd
from his inability to force upon the
states his peculiar military views.
In the progress of events, he will
disgust the people, and arouse the
states....
[from reverse side of page 8]
Then peace parties will spring
up--north and south. Fresh issues
will here arise. New men will come
into power--in the different states.
Combinations will be formed. In
both the Federal and Confederate
governments, the power will
pass from them, and diffuse its-
elf, among the states....
The first, propositons of
peace--will come from the North,
and for t his reason. The people of
the North--will not lose all--to
please the Black Republicans.
The commercial and manufac-
turing interests of New York and
Pennsylvania--are more binding
upon the hearts of their people, than
their hatred to slavery.
[from page 9]
It is impossible even to con-
jecture the closing scenes of this ap-
palling national tragedy. All real
power will have departed, from the
Federal and Confederate govern-
ments. Two vast political ma-
chines run down; and no self-cor-
recting balance, at the disposal of
either....the instinct of self pre-
seration, may dictate the only
[from reverse side of page 9]
true solution of pending difficulties.
Which is--let each state resume
its original powers, and draw its
energies within itself. Assume what
of right belongs to it--supreme pow-
er--when necessary for its own pre-
servation--over its own people and
territory, and announce its inten-
tion to form a new Federative go-
vernment--by a new and un-
trammeled compact.
This and this alone, in
my opinion, will be the only re-
liable solution of this war. It may
be otherwise. God alone can foresee....
I have thus my dear son...communicated to
you, my most secret thoughts, on
the existing state of things. God
grant my picture may be too dark.
Be my thoughts right or wrong, al-
low me, in conclusion, to impress on
you one lesson. through life, keep
your affections centered on Virginia
[page 10]
and her destiny. She is a noble state.
Her people are worthy of a better fate. Stand
by her flag. Never allow her soil or honor
to be sullied by a foreign or domestic foe....
God bless the old dominion!
Her people are as free as they are brave,
as pure as they are patriotic. They will
yet, inact, int this war--a role as bril-
liant as it will be permanent, and
in the last scenes of this revolution,
her people--will not dishonor the me-
mory, or mar the historic portraiture
of their Washington.
Should you survive this war--
when peace returns--thence forward,
eschew politics and beware of politi-
cians. Devote yourself to the law.
Seek to be a good and great lawyer.
In this capacity, you can better serve
your country, than as a politician.
Above all--Be a consistent, hum-
ble follower of Christ.
Your devoted Father
John H. Gilmer
[John Harmer Gilmer of Ivy, Albemarle County, Va., survived the war, dying in 1879; His son John H. Gilmer, Jr., a V.M.I. graduate served in the CSA Army as an engineer. His health was broken by the war and he died in 1867.
Virginia has seceded. War,
civil war, with all its attendant
horrors, is now inevitable. Strife
and contention--will usurp the place
of prudence and reason. Passion
will assume the garb of patriot-
ism, and flaunt her gaudy plu-
mes, in the face of all past expe-
rience. There is a gloomy picture
immediately before us, and the
gloom will thicken and inten-
sify, as years pass away, only
noted by national ruin, indivi-
dual suffering, and increased
corruption. the strong arm of mi-
litary power, will rule for a long
time, and under trying circum-
stances. Trading politicians and
low demagogues, will only leave
their accustomed haunts, to re-en-
act their tricks, in the ar-
my, and as government em-
oloyees.
I may not live through
the "fiery ordeal" into which, as
a people we are now precipitated.
I will therefore address you this
letter--not to be read, until the
cessation of hostilities, or my re-
pose in the grave. I may be wrong,
[reverse side of page 1]
in my gloomy anticipations. Indeed
I hope I am. But, such as they
are, I will here reduce t hem to
writing, that you may read them,
when the hand which writes them,
may be cold in the grave, and the
mind which dictates them, in a-
nother and more congenial sphere
of action. They will serve, at least,
to call to our recollection, the re-
flections of one--to whom you are
very dear, and may not be unpro-
fitable, to you, in after years. Such
as they are, you at least, will ap-
preciate them, as flowing from
a mind and heart, which have
always sought elevation, from
a familiar acquaintance with
the writings and works of the
"fathers of the Republic"--and have
ever despised that infectious breed
of low demagogues, who have so
long cursed, and have now ru-
ined our country.
In what I shall now write,
I merely propose to glance at the
probably course and ultimate ter-
mination of the war--which is
now inevitable; and which, in
its developments, will assume
proportions far beyond the ex-
pectations of either government,
rulers, or people. It is well, in
our own persons, to render death
[page 2]
familiar to our thoughts, by constant
and serious reflection, upon its cer-
tain approach. this remark ap-
plies, with equal force to national
disintegration--or political death.
[ten pages of predictions by Gilmer follow including:]
[from page 2]
This war will last much
longer and be far more ruinous,
in its consequences, than is any where
believed. Both the Federal and
Confederate government, will, for
a while profess adherence to the
cardinal principles, on which the
rupture is made. But ultimately,
both governments will cease to
act on them--until finally, in
the heat of mutual combat, both
governments will abandon them,
and assume dictatorial powers....
Both the Federal and Con-
federate government, will display
their want of self-reliance, by co-
quetting with foreign powers. The
South, to procure recognition. The
North to prevent it.....
[from page 4]
Mr Lincoln, is in point
of fact, a mere man of straw. He
will, illustrate his true character,
by maneuvering, for a while, be-
tween the rival parties of the North,
the democratic and Black Repub-
lican. In these his vacillations,
he will, after a while, be jostled
out of his Administrative equine-
mity. In his effort to please both
he will displeasure all men of both
parties, and thus be driven to the
assumption of arbitrary power, as
the commander in chief of the
[page 5]
army and navy, in order to keep
his seat. Mr. Seward, is the real
man of power....
Defeated.
as the united states will be in their
unholy effort to conquer the South,
faction after faction will arise
which will not only weaken the
government, abroad, but will,
in a great measure render it des-
picable in the eyes of a great por-
tion of the northern people.....
Under this aspect of matters--
local, general and pervasive, it
will become necessary for Mr Lincoln
to take sides. As to his elect-
ion, those who have at all con-
sidered the man--will be at no
loss to know, where he will find
himself--in the arms and under
the control of the Black Republi-
cans. He will proclaim univer-
sal emancipation, and thus bid
high for English sympathy. He will
assume dictatorial powers--
issue proclamations--make war on a
nation of his own people--open
wide the gates of his dungeons--In a word,
he will seek to destroy all indi-
vidual and domestic freedom....
[from page 6]
When we turn to the
Confederate states--or rather, The
South, and consider the true
character of the people and
our institutions, all would ap-
pear bright, and promising,-
guaranteeing a brilliant re-
sult, were it not for the real
character of Jefferson Davis...
Mr. Davis is a politi-
cal anomaly--bold, selfish, ar-
rogant, self willed, full of con-
ceit, cunning to a fault, and
without the first conception of
party or personal generosity...At heart a tyrant
....
[from reverse side of page 6]
Fortunately for us, the
People of the South, will not,
even in civil war, barter away
their liberties, for a mere shadow.
[from page 7]
This is my only hope. But for
this assurance I should even
now despair. For I think I
know the heart and purposes of
Mr. Davis. The one is as cold
and selfish, as the others are dark
and sinuous....
Mark my words. Time will
fulfill them. Virginia will
fall a prey to the schemes of
Mr Davis, unless her sons shall
take timely warning, and pro-
perly appreciate his real cha-
racter, For one, I shall watch
hm closely, and mark him
well....
[from page 8]
It is my opinion, that he will
ultimately fail, and from two
causes. 1st From the high spirit of
the southern people and arm. 2nd
from his inability to force upon the
states his peculiar military views.
In the progress of events, he will
disgust the people, and arouse the
states....
[from reverse side of page 8]
Then peace parties will spring
up--north and south. Fresh issues
will here arise. New men will come
into power--in the different states.
Combinations will be formed. In
both the Federal and Confederate
governments, the power will
pass from them, and diffuse its-
elf, among the states....
The first, propositons of
peace--will come from the North,
and for t his reason. The people of
the North--will not lose all--to
please the Black Republicans.
The commercial and manufac-
turing interests of New York and
Pennsylvania--are more binding
upon the hearts of their people, than
their hatred to slavery.
[from page 9]
It is impossible even to con-
jecture the closing scenes of this ap-
palling national tragedy. All real
power will have departed, from the
Federal and Confederate govern-
ments. Two vast political ma-
chines run down; and no self-cor-
recting balance, at the disposal of
either....the instinct of self pre-
seration, may dictate the only
[from reverse side of page 9]
true solution of pending difficulties.
Which is--let each state resume
its original powers, and draw its
energies within itself. Assume what
of right belongs to it--supreme pow-
er--when necessary for its own pre-
servation--over its own people and
territory, and announce its inten-
tion to form a new Federative go-
vernment--by a new and un-
trammeled compact.
This and this alone, in
my opinion, will be the only re-
liable solution of this war. It may
be otherwise. God alone can foresee....
I have thus my dear son...communicated to
you, my most secret thoughts, on
the existing state of things. God
grant my picture may be too dark.
Be my thoughts right or wrong, al-
low me, in conclusion, to impress on
you one lesson. through life, keep
your affections centered on Virginia
[page 10]
and her destiny. She is a noble state.
Her people are worthy of a better fate. Stand
by her flag. Never allow her soil or honor
to be sullied by a foreign or domestic foe....
God bless the old dominion!
Her people are as free as they are brave,
as pure as they are patriotic. They will
yet, inact, int this war--a role as bril-
liant as it will be permanent, and
in the last scenes of this revolution,
her people--will not dishonor the me-
mory, or mar the historic portraiture
of their Washington.
Should you survive this war--
when peace returns--thence forward,
eschew politics and beware of politi-
cians. Devote yourself to the law.
Seek to be a good and great lawyer.
In this capacity, you can better serve
your country, than as a politician.
Above all--Be a consistent, hum-
ble follower of Christ.
Your devoted Father
John H. Gilmer
[John Harmer Gilmer of Ivy, Albemarle County, Va., survived the war, dying in 1879; His son John H. Gilmer, Jr., a V.M.I. graduate served in the CSA Army as an engineer. His health was broken by the war and he died in 1867.
Monday, April 18, 2011
1861 April 18 Mehinin
Mr.Philip St Geo Cocke
Dear Sir
You are mistaken
in regard to the Inventories sent on last return
being taken from the Books. When the Books were
sent on blank, or printed quarterly Inventories
were sent for each place to last ten years they were
made to agree with those in the books I supposed
it was by your direction & thought one ought to be
forwarded very quarter so as to correspond
with the quarterly Inventories kept on each place.
I have made the engagement
for the Petersburg Manipulated Guano & a portion has
been brought home. I recd a letter from Crenshaw
agent the other day saying in answer to a letter
from me that he would forward to Petersburg
20 tons "Ruffin" Phospho Peruvian. I had to write
him immediately that you had changed your
notion. I hope he received my letter before the
Guano was forwarded from Richmond.
We have had a great deal
[page 2]
rain which has thrown the corn planting back
considerably I expected to begin the 8th but did
not commence until the 18th & then had to stop
the next day on acct rain I have just resumed
to day with a large force & should the weather con-
tinue fair will be able to get through in good
time. Our citizens areall excitement greatly
excited at the late news from Charleston & I
may add, that from Washington also. I hope those
late events will put some fire in our old
fogies in the Convention at Richmond &
cause them to go out from our vile abolition
neighbors of the North I have never seen any
thing like the present excitement in my short
history I feel so indignant & excited at times
that I can scarcely keep my business matters
straight. I hope you will excuse this badly written
& more dictated letter I cannot compose my
strength sufficiently to write Hope to see you
Respectfully
J.B. Taylor
Dear Sir
You are mistaken
in regard to the Inventories sent on last return
being taken from the Books. When the Books were
sent on blank, or printed quarterly Inventories
were sent for each place to last ten years they were
made to agree with those in the books I supposed
it was by your direction & thought one ought to be
forwarded very quarter so as to correspond
with the quarterly Inventories kept on each place.
I have made the engagement
for the Petersburg Manipulated Guano & a portion has
been brought home. I recd a letter from Crenshaw
agent the other day saying in answer to a letter
from me that he would forward to Petersburg
20 tons "Ruffin" Phospho Peruvian. I had to write
him immediately that you had changed your
notion. I hope he received my letter before the
Guano was forwarded from Richmond.
We have had a great deal
[page 2]
rain which has thrown the corn planting back
considerably I expected to begin the 8th but did
not commence until the 18th & then had to stop
the next day on acct rain I have just resumed
to day with a large force & should the weather con-
tinue fair will be able to get through in good
time. Our citizens are
excited at the late news from Charleston & I
may add, that from Washington also. I hope those
late events will put some fire in our old
fogies in the Convention at Richmond &
cause them to go out from our vile abolition
neighbors of the North I have never seen any
thing like the present excitement in my short
history I feel so indignant & excited at times
that I can scarcely keep my business matters
straight. I hope you will excuse this badly written
& more dictated letter I cannot compose my
strength sufficiently to write Hope to see you
Respectfully
J.B. Taylor
1861 April 18 Retreat Church, Pickens, S.C.
Minutes of the Presbytery of South Carolina Spring Session
Whereas the President of the United States has declared the
Confederate States to be in a state of insurrection, and has
called for an army of seventy-five thousand men to aid the
regular army inquelling this pretended insurrection, and has
collected a large fleet to make a descent upon our coast, thereby
inaugurating civil war, therefore
Resolved that it is inexpedient to appoint any of our mem-
bers to represent this Presbytery in the General Assembly,
about to convene in Philadelpia, in the midst of the enemies
of our peace and of our rights.
Whereas the President of the United States has declared the
Confederate States to be in a state of insurrection, and has
called for an army of seventy-five thousand men to aid the
regular army inquelling this pretended insurrection, and has
collected a large fleet to make a descent upon our coast, thereby
inaugurating civil war, therefore
Resolved that it is inexpedient to appoint any of our mem-
bers to represent this Presbytery in the General Assembly,
about to convene in Philadelpia, in the midst of the enemies
of our peace and of our rights.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
1861 April 17th Columbia S.C.
Dear Creek
We have all arrived here safe,
and are all quartered in an empty store house
for the present, we cant tell how long we will be
here, as no orders has yet arrived for our
further disposal as yet, we are very comfortable
quartered, and my company conducting
themselves like gentlemen I have not yet
any difficulty with one of them in any shape,
whatever, they are also in fine spirits, and very
agreeable among themselves.
John Vandiver says all his people are well
write them soon.
I cannot send you any news this time as
I have not had a moment to spare since I
reached here, and must close this before I am
half done as my company is to parade in ten
minutes.
Kiss our dear little Maaggie for me and
believe me your ever affectionate
William
Write by return of mail
address Capt. W. Anderson
4th Regt. S.C.V.
Columbia
We have all arrived here safe,
and are all quartered in an empty store house
for the present, we cant tell how long we will be
here, as no orders has yet arrived for our
further disposal as yet, we are very comfortable
quartered, and my company conducting
themselves like gentlemen I have not yet
any difficulty with one of them in any shape,
whatever, they are also in fine spirits, and very
agreeable among themselves.
John Vandiver says all his people are well
write them soon.
I cannot send you any news this time as
I have not had a moment to spare since I
reached here, and must close this before I am
half done as my company is to parade in ten
minutes.
Kiss our dear little Maaggie for me and
believe me your ever affectionate
William
Write by return of mail
address Capt. W. Anderson
4th Regt. S.C.V.
Columbia
1861 April 17 University of Virginia
From the minute book of the Chairman of the Faculty
Gave Mr. N.M. Neblett leave of absence
for ten days to visit Richmond. Mr. W.L. Hawkins
of La. for ten days to visit relatives in Baltimore.
& Mr. J.R. Thomas of Ga for ten days to visit
home--also Mr. C.A. James for one week to visit home--
Gave Mr. J.P. Bryan of Tex. Mr J.E. Matthews
of Ala & Mr. J.E. Herndon of Tex., each with his
father's permission, and Messrs F.S. Williams of Va
& Ro. W. Hooks of Tex, each 21, leave to withdraw
from the University.
Gave Mr. R.A. Bacon of Ga. leave of absence
for two weeks. Has received a dispatch calling him home.
The Governor of Virginia having, as was represented,
authorized the Volunteer Companies at Charlottesville,
in concert with companies from Staunton and other
places, to march to Harper's Ferry, with the view
of capturing it and securing the arms & machinery
at that place to the use of Virginia in the attitude
of resistence she is about to assume towards the wicked
Government at Washington, an invitation was
extended by Capt. Duke of the Albemarle Rifles
to the two volunteer companies of students
to join in the Expedition. The invitation was
received with so much enthusiasm by the University
Volunteers, that the Chairman the Faculty concurring
deemed it inexpedient to oppose an official interdict
to its acceptance--It was deemed best under the
circumstances to give the procedure the form
of regularity, by granting leave of absence
for a week to such as applied with the view
of going on the expedition.. At the same time
all under 21 years of age were earnestly advised
not to go. the following are the rolls of the Compa-
nies as they marched from the University on the evening
of the 17th of April. Those marked thus x obtained leave
of absence for a week--the rest from want of time
and other reasons did not apply for it.
Roll of the "Sons of Liberty"
Jas. T. Toole Capt
xRo. J. Wasington 1st Lieut
A.G. Hill 2d do
xPage McCarty 3d do
F.S. Robertson 1st Sergt
Jno P. Lynch 2d "
A.B. Paris 3d "
W.G. Anderson 4 "
Jno B. Mordecai 1 Corpl
xJas McD. Carrington 2d "
xHenry L. Hoover 3 "
xA. Davidson 4th Corp.
Privates
W.A. Anderson
xL.J. Barrett
xW.R. Berkeley
Carter Berkeley
xAustin Brockenbrough
C.I. Battle
xF.L. Bronaugh
xGeo R. Bedinger
xB.S. Brown
xJas. W. Buford
C.A. Chancey
R.H. Couper
xC.Clinebell
J.H. Drewry
B.F. Dew, Jr.
xHy Ewing
Jno Goffigon
C I Harvie
Hall of Ala
xJno Hunter
xL.A. Henderson
xG.C. Holleyman
P.S.H. Lee
xHenry Lee
xA. Lauve
J.H. Larew
J.E. Moyler
Ro.C. Nicholas
xGeo J. Pratt
Celsus Price
Jno D. Page
xJ.E. Peck
C.T. Richardson
T.J. Randolph of Miss
Jno T. Redwood
W.G. Smith
F.M. Swoope
xJ. Hanson Thomas
J.B. Thornton
C.R. Venable
J.L. White
J.W. Wyatt
A.B. Wooldridge
F.S. Williams
C.U. Williams
W.L. Withers
Jas G. Woodhouse
xC.E. Riddick
xRo S. Pearce
Roll of the "Southern Guard"
Edw S. Hutter Jr Capt
Geo Ross 1st Lieut
Frank Carter 2d "
J.M. Payne 3 "
xP.L. Burwell 1st Sergt
J.E. Heath 2 "
xRo. E. Lee Jr 4 "
Wm A. Ross Jr 1 Corpl.
xWalter Weir 2 do
R. C. Wellford 4 do
Privates
Wm Brown
xE Holmes Boyd
xD.E.J. Baskerville
Ro T. Baldwin
xD R Barton
P.B. Barbour
xJ.O. Carr
W H Chapman
A.V. Doak
C.A. Davidson
Paul L. DeClouet
Percival Elliott
xM.N. Fleming
J.Compton French
xRo Falligant
xW.G. Field
W.L. Goggin Jr
xK. Grogan
xJ.R. Gildersleeve
R.H. Green
xJ.M. Garnett
xWm. P. Grivot
Heath
Jno B. Henry
xWalter Q Hullihen
xW.A. Hawes
Jas McH. Howard
Edw H. Ingle
xC.A James
T.M.King
xA.J. Lewis
Jno Latane
xR.H. McKim
W. Gordon McCabe
xJno H. Maury
xC. Ellis Munford
T.B. Mackall
W.W.Minor
xH. Munnickhuysen
H.C. Michie
T.H. Norwood
xHenry Page
xSaml H. Pulliam
xL.D. Roane
B.M. Randolph
xW. Wirt Robinson
W.L. Randolph
xJno J. Reeve
xSmith
xL.B. Stephenson
W.F. Singleton
S.C. Samuels
Jno H. Seawell
C.W. Trueheart
xLomax Tayloe
xJas Taylor
W.N. Wellford
T.R.B. Wright
xV. Wrenn
xW.M. Worthington
W.G. Wynn
xI.T. Walke
Frnklin Voss
(Lyman)
(C. Grogan)
Ro Hemphill
Gave Mr. N.M. Neblett leave of absence
for ten days to visit Richmond. Mr. W.L. Hawkins
of La. for ten days to visit relatives in Baltimore.
& Mr. J.R. Thomas of Ga for ten days to visit
home--also Mr. C.A. James for one week to visit home--
Gave Mr. J.P. Bryan of Tex. Mr J.E. Matthews
of Ala & Mr. J.E. Herndon of Tex., each with his
father's permission, and Messrs F.S. Williams of Va
& Ro. W. Hooks of Tex, each 21, leave to withdraw
from the University.
Gave Mr. R.A. Bacon of Ga. leave of absence
for two weeks. Has received a dispatch calling him home.
The Governor of Virginia having, as was represented,
authorized the Volunteer Companies at Charlottesville,
in concert with companies from Staunton and other
places, to march to Harper's Ferry, with the view
of capturing it and securing the arms & machinery
at that place to the use of Virginia in the attitude
of resistence she is about to assume towards the wicked
Government at Washington, an invitation was
extended by Capt. Duke of the Albemarle Rifles
to the two volunteer companies of students
to join in the Expedition. The invitation was
received with so much enthusiasm by the University
Volunteers, that the Chairman the Faculty concurring
deemed it inexpedient to oppose an official interdict
to its acceptance--It was deemed best under the
circumstances to give the procedure the form
of regularity, by granting leave of absence
for a week to such as applied with the view
of going on the expedition.. At the same time
all under 21 years of age were earnestly advised
not to go. the following are the rolls of the Compa-
nies as they marched from the University on the evening
of the 17th of April. Those marked thus x obtained leave
of absence for a week--the rest from want of time
and other reasons did not apply for it.
Roll of the "Sons of Liberty"
Jas. T. Toole Capt
xRo. J. Wasington 1st Lieut
A.G. Hill 2d do
xPage McCarty 3d do
F.S. Robertson 1st Sergt
Jno P. Lynch 2d "
A.B. Paris 3d "
W.G. Anderson 4 "
Jno B. Mordecai 1 Corpl
xJas McD. Carrington 2d "
xHenry L. Hoover 3 "
xA. Davidson 4th Corp.
Privates
W.A. Anderson
xL.J. Barrett
xW.R. Berkeley
Carter Berkeley
xAustin Brockenbrough
C.I. Battle
xF.L. Bronaugh
xGeo R. Bedinger
xB.S. Brown
xJas. W. Buford
C.A. Chancey
R.H. Couper
xC.Clinebell
J.H. Drewry
B.F. Dew, Jr.
xHy Ewing
Jno Goffigon
C I Harvie
Hall of Ala
xJno Hunter
xL.A. Henderson
xG.C. Holleyman
P.S.H. Lee
xHenry Lee
xA. Lauve
J.H. Larew
J.E. Moyler
Ro.C. Nicholas
xGeo J. Pratt
Celsus Price
Jno D. Page
xJ.E. Peck
C.T. Richardson
T.J. Randolph of Miss
Jno T. Redwood
W.G. Smith
F.M. Swoope
xJ. Hanson Thomas
J.B. Thornton
C.R. Venable
J.L. White
J.W. Wyatt
A.B. Wooldridge
F.S. Williams
C.U. Williams
W.L. Withers
Jas G. Woodhouse
xC.E. Riddick
xRo S. Pearce
Roll of the "Southern Guard"
Edw S. Hutter Jr Capt
Geo Ross 1st Lieut
Frank Carter 2d "
J.M. Payne 3 "
xP.L. Burwell 1st Sergt
J.E. Heath 2 "
xRo. E. Lee Jr 4 "
Wm A. Ross Jr 1 Corpl.
xWalter Weir 2 do
R. C. Wellford 4 do
Privates
Wm Brown
xE Holmes Boyd
xD.E.J. Baskerville
Ro T. Baldwin
xD R Barton
P.B. Barbour
xJ.O. Carr
W H Chapman
A.V. Doak
C.A. Davidson
Paul L. DeClouet
Percival Elliott
xM.N. Fleming
J.Compton French
xRo Falligant
xW.G. Field
W.L. Goggin Jr
xK. Grogan
xJ.R. Gildersleeve
R.H. Green
xJ.M. Garnett
xWm. P. Grivot
Heath
Jno B. Henry
xWalter Q Hullihen
xW.A. Hawes
Jas McH. Howard
Edw H. Ingle
xC.A James
T.M.King
xA.J. Lewis
Jno Latane
xR.H. McKim
W. Gordon McCabe
xJno H. Maury
xC. Ellis Munford
T.B. Mackall
W.W.Minor
xH. Munnickhuysen
H.C. Michie
T.H. Norwood
xHenry Page
xSaml H. Pulliam
xL.D. Roane
B.M. Randolph
xW. Wirt Robinson
W.L. Randolph
xJno J. Reeve
xSmith
xL.B. Stephenson
W.F. Singleton
S.C. Samuels
Jno H. Seawell
C.W. Trueheart
xLomax Tayloe
xJas Taylor
W.N. Wellford
T.R.B. Wright
xV. Wrenn
xW.M. Worthington
W.G. Wynn
xI.T. Walke
Frnklin Voss
(Lyman)
(C. Grogan)
Ro Hemphill
Thursday, April 14, 2011
1861 April 14 Richmond City
Dear Sister;
I received your letter dated April
4th, and it is hardly necessary to say that
I was exceedingly glad to hear from you all.
I am still in Richmond and do not pos-
itively know that I shall leave for a
month, unless my services shall be requir-
red in South Carolina, or some other point,
when I will leave on very short notice.
You have heard, no doubt, that the troops
in Charleston have attacked Fort Sumter,
and last night they had quite a jollica-
tion on the receipt of the news that the
Fort had been taken yesterday. There was
about 100 guns fired in consequence. Con-
siderable excitement exists throughout the
city.--
I am in tolerable health, and very
anxious to see you all very much.
Give my love to Martha and Kie
and all friends and acquaintances.
Remember me to Miss Nancy, and
tell her that before long I will be home
to greet you all.
Give my best respects to the two girls
on Buck Island, and say to them for me
that they do not wish to see me more
than I do them.
Please let me know when you answer
whether you are at the same place you were
when I left, and if you are not, write me
where you are now, and who you are board-
ing with.
When you write again, do a little
better than you did last, as you certainly
did not have tome or would not take time
to write to me.
Give to my love to all the Union
boys and to friends everywhere.
Write soon, and let me hear
from you all.
Yours affectionately,
J M. Parrish
MSS 10305-a
I received your letter dated April
4th, and it is hardly necessary to say that
I was exceedingly glad to hear from you all.
I am still in Richmond and do not pos-
itively know that I shall leave for a
month, unless my services shall be requir-
red in South Carolina, or some other point,
when I will leave on very short notice.
You have heard, no doubt, that the troops
in Charleston have attacked Fort Sumter,
and last night they had quite a jollica-
tion on the receipt of the news that the
Fort had been taken yesterday. There was
about 100 guns fired in consequence. Con-
siderable excitement exists throughout the
city.--
I am in tolerable health, and very
anxious to see you all very much.
Give my love to Martha and Kie
and all friends and acquaintances.
Remember me to Miss Nancy, and
tell her that before long I will be home
to greet you all.
Give my best respects to the two girls
on Buck Island, and say to them for me
that they do not wish to see me more
than I do them.
Please let me know when you answer
whether you are at the same place you were
when I left, and if you are not, write me
where you are now, and who you are board-
ing with.
When you write again, do a little
better than you did last, as you certainly
did not have tome or would not take time
to write to me.
Give to my love to all the Union
boys and to friends everywhere.
Write soon, and let me hear
from you all.
Yours affectionately,
J M. Parrish
MSS 10305-a
1861 April 14 Richmond, Va.
My dear Judge
Truly we are on the verge of an
awful crisis--Revolution is upon us. War and
rumors of war is now [?] from every breeze.
The commissioners from the convention
to Lincoln, have returned disheartened, without
hope and at a loss to know what to say or do--
AHH Stewart the strongest Union man
in the state has drifted ashore--He
told me just now that he had no conjecture
what a day might bring forth--He says
Lincoln treated them coldly- He is
evidently mortified. There is a perfect
rush for Summers room. It is thought
he has some information under cover of
confidence. What is to be the result I have
no idea. Lincoln has called for 75,000
troops and is fiting out all the ships that
can be made ready for service. You
will get the information of the adminis-
tration's policy before this reaches you.
This place is composed of mad men
[page 2]
last night they hoisted the confederate
flag over the capital and defied
the Gov. to have it taken down--
They denounced him as a shaking
crouching Gov. and abused the
convention as false to Va because
they would not secede--
Almost every boy here is armed
and equiped ready for war.
and war they say they will
have--Good of M^'e'cklenburgh said
in a speech yesterday in convention
that Eastern Va intended to leave
and so help him God no power
could or should prevent it--
What must the west do. I
begin to think we must secede
or divide the state..what do you
say. there is danger in delay.
We must act soon and act definitely-
what must that action be? Let me
know what Harrison wants--what is
your opinion.
[page 3]
A band of men called at the capital
last night and inquired for Carlile
-They swore they intended to take
him out & hang him. I have
no idea they will do so, but you-
cant tell what is to come-
They say he is encouraging
Lincoln
Sunday as it is There are 3,000 people
in the streets- Last night
they had a grand torch light
procession and the wildest
fanatacism prevailed-indeed
they looked like Lunatics
I wish I could give you
assurance of peace but I cannot
Every day changes the aspect of
affairs. somedays we have
a prospect of adjustment and
allparts becomes quiet- and
in an hour some telegram changes
the calmness into a storm--
Write me-
Yr. fd-
BW
MSS 11540
Truly we are on the verge of an
awful crisis--Revolution is upon us. War and
rumors of war is now [?] from every breeze.
The commissioners from the convention
to Lincoln, have returned disheartened, without
hope and at a loss to know what to say or do--
AHH Stewart the strongest Union man
in the state has drifted ashore--He
told me just now that he had no conjecture
what a day might bring forth--He says
Lincoln treated them coldly- He is
evidently mortified. There is a perfect
rush for Summers room. It is thought
he has some information under cover of
confidence. What is to be the result I have
no idea. Lincoln has called for 75,000
troops and is fiting out all the ships that
can be made ready for service. You
will get the information of the adminis-
tration's policy before this reaches you.
This place is composed of mad men
[page 2]
last night they hoisted the confederate
flag over the capital and defied
the Gov. to have it taken down--
They denounced him as a shaking
crouching Gov. and abused the
convention as false to Va because
they would not secede--
Almost every boy here is armed
and equiped ready for war.
and war they say they will
have--Good of M^'e'cklenburgh said
in a speech yesterday in convention
that Eastern Va intended to leave
and so help him God no power
could or should prevent it--
What must the west do. I
begin to think we must secede
or divide the state..what do you
say. there is danger in delay.
We must act soon and act definitely-
what must that action be? Let me
know what Harrison wants--what is
your opinion.
[page 3]
A band of men called at the capital
last night and inquired for Carlile
-They swore they intended to take
him out & hang him. I have
no idea they will do so, but you-
cant tell what is to come-
They say he is encouraging
Lincoln
Sunday as it is There are 3,000 people
in the streets- Last night
they had a grand torch light
procession and the wildest
fanatacism prevailed-indeed
they looked like Lunatics
I wish I could give you
assurance of peace but I cannot
Every day changes the aspect of
affairs. somedays we have
a prospect of adjustment and
all
in an hour some telegram changes
the calmness into a storm--
Write me-
Yr. fd-
BW
MSS 11540
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
1861 April 13 Charleston, S. C.
The Battle of Fort Sumter and First Victory of the Southern Troops April 13th, 1861.
Published by Request
...At seven o'clock, a vigorous and steady fire was
opened from Fort Moultrie, and a heavy cannonade ensued.
But at eight o'clock the cry arose from the wharves, and rolled
in one continuous wave over the city, "Fort Sumter is on
Fire!" The watchers of the night before, who had retired
for a few moments, were aroused, occupations were instantly
suspended, and old and young, either mounted to their points
of observation, or rolled in crowds upon the Battery, to look
upon the last and most imposing act in this great drama.
The barracks to the south had been three times set on fire
during the bombardment of the day before, but each time the
flames were immediately extinguished. Subsequently, how-
ever, a red-hot shot from Fort Moultrie, or a shell from else-
where, found a lodgment, when the fact was not apparent, and
the fire, smouldering for a time, at length broke forth, and
flames and smoke rose in volumes from the crater of Fort
Sumter. The wind was blowing from the west, driving the
smoke across the fort and into the embrasures, where the
gunners were at work, and pouring its volumes through the
port-holes; the firing of Fort Sumter appeared to be renewed
with vigor. The fire of the Fort, long, fierce and rapid, how-
ever, was gradually abated, and although at distant intervals a
gun was fired, the necessity of preserving their magazines and
of avoiding the flames, left the tenants little leisure for resist-
ance. But the firing from without was continued with re-
doubled vigor. every battery poured in its ceaseless round of
shot and shell. The enthusiasm of success inspired their cour-
age and gave precision to their action; and thus, as in the
opening, so in the closing scene, under the beaming sunlight, in
view of thousands crowded upon the wharves and house-tops,
and amid the booming of ordnance, and in view of the five
immense ships sent by the enemy with reinforcements, lying
idly just out of gun shot on the Bar, this first fortress of des-
potic power fell prostrate to the cause of Southern Indepen-
dence.
About eight o'clock, Fort Moultrie had commenced to our
in hot shot, to prevent the extinguishment of the spreading
flames, and to kindle new fires in all the quarters. The fight
between the two forts was terrific. At this time, Sumter fired
fifty-four shots at Moultrie in one hour, tearing the barracks to
pieces. But the work was vain. Moultrie was too much for
Sumter. In five minutes, she returned eleven shots. At
about nine o'clock the flames appeared to be abating, and
it was apprehended that no irreparable injury had been sus-
tained; but near ten o'clock, a column of white smoke rose
high above the battlements, followed by an explosion which
was felt upon the wharves, and gave the assurance that if the
magazines were not exploded, at least their temporary ammu-
nition were exposed to the element still raging. Soon after
the barracks to the east and west were in flames, the smoke
rose in dedoubled volume from the whole circle of the fort, and
rolling from the embrasures, it seemed scarcely possible that
life could be sustained. Soon after another column of smoke
arose as fearful as the first. The guns had been completely
silenced, and the only option left to the tenants of the fort-
ress seemed to be whether they would perish or surrender.
At a quarter to one o'clock, the staff, from which the flag still
waved, was shot away, and it was long in doubt whether, if
there were the purpose, there was the ability to re-erect it.
But at the expiration of about twenty minutes, it again ap-
peared upon the eastern rampart, and announced that resist-
ance was not ended. In the meantime,however, a small boat
started from the city wharf, bearing Colonels Lee, Pryor and
Miles, Aides to Gen. Beauregard, with offers of assistance, if
perchance, the garrison would be unable to escape the flames.
As they approached the fort, the United States' flag re-ap-
peared; and shortly afterwards a shout from the whole circle
of spectators on the islands and the main, announced that
the white flag of truce was waving from the ramparts. A
small boat had already been seen to shoot out from Cummings'
Point, in the direction of the fort, in which stood an officer
with a white flag upon the point of his sword. This officer
proved to be Col. Wigfall, Aid to the Commanding General,
who, entering through a port-hole, demanded the surrender.
Major Anderson replied, that "they were still firing on him."
"Then take your flag down," said Col. Wigfall: "they will con-
tinue to fire upon you so long as that is up."
After some further explanations in the course of which it
appeared, that major Anderson's men were fast suffocating in
the casemates, the brave commander of Sumter agreed that he
would, unconditionally, surrender--subject to the terms of
Gen. Beauregard, who, as was said by Col. Wigfall, "is a sol-
dier and a gentleman, and knows how to treat a brave enemy."
Col. (later Gen.) Louis T. Wigfall (1816-1874) was an alumnus of the University of Virginia.
A1851 .B37
Published by Request
...At seven o'clock, a vigorous and steady fire was
opened from Fort Moultrie, and a heavy cannonade ensued.
But at eight o'clock the cry arose from the wharves, and rolled
in one continuous wave over the city, "Fort Sumter is on
Fire!" The watchers of the night before, who had retired
for a few moments, were aroused, occupations were instantly
suspended, and old and young, either mounted to their points
of observation, or rolled in crowds upon the Battery, to look
upon the last and most imposing act in this great drama.
The barracks to the south had been three times set on fire
during the bombardment of the day before, but each time the
flames were immediately extinguished. Subsequently, how-
ever, a red-hot shot from Fort Moultrie, or a shell from else-
where, found a lodgment, when the fact was not apparent, and
the fire, smouldering for a time, at length broke forth, and
flames and smoke rose in volumes from the crater of Fort
Sumter. The wind was blowing from the west, driving the
smoke across the fort and into the embrasures, where the
gunners were at work, and pouring its volumes through the
port-holes; the firing of Fort Sumter appeared to be renewed
with vigor. The fire of the Fort, long, fierce and rapid, how-
ever, was gradually abated, and although at distant intervals a
gun was fired, the necessity of preserving their magazines and
of avoiding the flames, left the tenants little leisure for resist-
ance. But the firing from without was continued with re-
doubled vigor. every battery poured in its ceaseless round of
shot and shell. The enthusiasm of success inspired their cour-
age and gave precision to their action; and thus, as in the
opening, so in the closing scene, under the beaming sunlight, in
view of thousands crowded upon the wharves and house-tops,
and amid the booming of ordnance, and in view of the five
immense ships sent by the enemy with reinforcements, lying
idly just out of gun shot on the Bar, this first fortress of des-
potic power fell prostrate to the cause of Southern Indepen-
dence.
About eight o'clock, Fort Moultrie had commenced to our
in hot shot, to prevent the extinguishment of the spreading
flames, and to kindle new fires in all the quarters. The fight
between the two forts was terrific. At this time, Sumter fired
fifty-four shots at Moultrie in one hour, tearing the barracks to
pieces. But the work was vain. Moultrie was too much for
Sumter. In five minutes, she returned eleven shots. At
about nine o'clock the flames appeared to be abating, and
it was apprehended that no irreparable injury had been sus-
tained; but near ten o'clock, a column of white smoke rose
high above the battlements, followed by an explosion which
was felt upon the wharves, and gave the assurance that if the
magazines were not exploded, at least their temporary ammu-
nition were exposed to the element still raging. Soon after
the barracks to the east and west were in flames, the smoke
rose in dedoubled volume from the whole circle of the fort, and
rolling from the embrasures, it seemed scarcely possible that
life could be sustained. Soon after another column of smoke
arose as fearful as the first. The guns had been completely
silenced, and the only option left to the tenants of the fort-
ress seemed to be whether they would perish or surrender.
At a quarter to one o'clock, the staff, from which the flag still
waved, was shot away, and it was long in doubt whether, if
there were the purpose, there was the ability to re-erect it.
But at the expiration of about twenty minutes, it again ap-
peared upon the eastern rampart, and announced that resist-
ance was not ended. In the meantime,however, a small boat
started from the city wharf, bearing Colonels Lee, Pryor and
Miles, Aides to Gen. Beauregard, with offers of assistance, if
perchance, the garrison would be unable to escape the flames.
As they approached the fort, the United States' flag re-ap-
peared; and shortly afterwards a shout from the whole circle
of spectators on the islands and the main, announced that
the white flag of truce was waving from the ramparts. A
small boat had already been seen to shoot out from Cummings'
Point, in the direction of the fort, in which stood an officer
with a white flag upon the point of his sword. This officer
proved to be Col. Wigfall, Aid to the Commanding General,
who, entering through a port-hole, demanded the surrender.
Major Anderson replied, that "they were still firing on him."
"Then take your flag down," said Col. Wigfall: "they will con-
tinue to fire upon you so long as that is up."
After some further explanations in the course of which it
appeared, that major Anderson's men were fast suffocating in
the casemates, the brave commander of Sumter agreed that he
would, unconditionally, surrender--subject to the terms of
Gen. Beauregard, who, as was said by Col. Wigfall, "is a sol-
dier and a gentleman, and knows how to treat a brave enemy."
Col. (later Gen.) Louis T. Wigfall (1816-1874) was an alumnus of the University of Virginia.
A1851 .B37
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
1861 April 11 Phi Kappa Psi Hall, University of Virginia
Fraternity called to order by Bro Shearer the
Proedrus, Prayer by Chaplain---
Rolled called & Bros Berkeley, Page, Payne, Smith
& Washington were absent--
Minutes of two last meetings were read
& stood approved.
Communication was read from Fort Sumter
where the South Carolina ^'(Col)' Chapter has adjourned to
T. Moore Fr.
2 Comns from Penn. Z. with regard to levying a
tax etc were read---
Bros Poague & Smith were excused from fines
for absence.
A dun from Mr T G. Vaughan for $15.00 1 quarters
rent was brought before the Fraternity--
Mr Reeve was not informed thro negligence
put off he was elected again--
Fraternity adjourned
R. B. Shearer
E B Massie
Richard Baxter Shearer, a Confederate captain, fell at Monacacy Md. 1864
Edwin Blackwell Massie later farmed in Albemarle County, Va.
John James Reeve, a Confederate major, was a merchant and planter in Kentucky after the war
James Edgar Poague was later a physician in Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Robert J. Washington, a Confederate Lieut. and Adjt. was a lawyer in Westmoreland County, Va., after the war.
John Meem Payne, a Confederate captain, farmed in Lynchburg after the war
RG-23/4/8.781
Proedrus, Prayer by Chaplain---
Rolled called & Bros Berkeley, Page, Payne, Smith
& Washington were absent--
Minutes of two last meetings were read
& stood approved.
Communication was read from Fort Sumter
where the South Carolina ^'(Col)' Chapter has adjourned to
T. Moore Fr.
2 Comns from Penn. Z. with regard to levying a
tax etc were read---
Bros Poague & Smith were excused from fines
for absence.
A dun from Mr T G. Vaughan for $15.00 1 quarters
rent was brought before the Fraternity--
Mr Reeve was not informed thro negligence
Fraternity adjourned
R. B. Shearer
E B Massie
Richard Baxter Shearer, a Confederate captain, fell at Monacacy Md. 1864
Edwin Blackwell Massie later farmed in Albemarle County, Va.
John James Reeve, a Confederate major, was a merchant and planter in Kentucky after the war
James Edgar Poague was later a physician in Tensas Parish, Louisiana
Robert J. Washington, a Confederate Lieut. and Adjt. was a lawyer in Westmoreland County, Va., after the war.
John Meem Payne, a Confederate captain, farmed in Lynchburg after the war
RG-23/4/8.781
Monday, April 11, 2011
1861 April 10 Richmond, Va.
Dear Judge
We have intelligence from Charleston
that 7 war steamers are standing off from
Charleston harbour. The supositon is they are
to attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter. We
also have a dispatch that the Charleston
authorities have ordered all the ships
out the harbour and that tomorrow morng
that Fort will be attact, and the fire kept
up til the Fort shall be taken. What this
may lead to no one can tell. This city is
wild with excitement it is all astir tonight--
you have seen that the convention has
sent three commissioners to Washington to
consult with Lincoln [?], to enquire his
policy, and to get him to stay the hand
of war until this state shall make
a further effort to redeem the country--If
this is not done the most awful
consequences may be anticipated -- The settled
policy of the Convention -- Union men and all, is
[page 2]
to recognise the [?] prudence of the
seceded states--The Forts have been the
great trouble--Summers today presented
a compromise proposition, it is to recom-
mend the gov't to surrender to the
seceded states all the forts, arsenals
dock yards & on the main land
or within the harbors of those states--
and to obtain possession for the present
of the quo national forts such as
the Tortugas and Key west-- as they
stand far out in the gulf and
afford a protection to the navigation
of the gulf and the Mississippi
River -- The Union men have
the responsibility of the state on their
hands, and you would be surprised
to see what a burthen it is to them--
They re all making a mighty effort to
sustain the state rights doctrine and
yet they find it a bitter pill--I
speak more particularly of the old
Federalists--Goggin and Branch
have gone entirely over. Flourney
[page 3]
is nearly over. Preston may now
be said to be in the right wing of
the state rights party--Marshall
of Winchester is the head and front.
Does this not surprise you--
At the commencement of the session
they made a terrible attac on Wise,
but he has baged them one by one--
I have never seen his equal. He
never fails in his speech. He
never fails in his everlasting tact
to get some advantage--Sommers
prevailed over him today about the
forts. that was however by the
force of numbers. In the arguement
Wise sustained himself manfully-
Tonight he literally slaughtered
Brown from Preston on the tax
question-- the fact is the whole
convention is afraid of him except
Tim Rives.
I fear we will not get off from
here till week after next, day
20 or perhaps 25. yet we may
If I do not I wish you to have
[page 4]
all my cases passed. I am to
defend [?] Knight for felony.
Set the case to about 4 may--I
will at home by that time.
Your old friends often enquire
after you. Chambliss
Wise Price Carpenter and
others. They want to know
what kind of Judge you
make. Chambliss thinks
you are to determined, too
unyielding for a Judge. Whilst
I told him you were not I
thought there was a good deal
of truth in his remark.
Carlile and I had a brush in the
Convention yesterday-- he says
our people dont want any
thing from the North. You will
see the report. He is on the Bots platform
Write to me and oblige Yr. frd.
B. Wilson.
MSS 11540
We have intelligence from Charleston
that 7 war steamers are standing off from
Charleston harbour. The supositon is they are
to attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter. We
also have a dispatch that the Charleston
authorities have ordered all the ships
out the harbour and that tomorrow morng
that Fort will be attact, and the fire kept
up til the Fort shall be taken. What this
may lead to no one can tell. This city is
wild with excitement it is all astir tonight--
you have seen that the convention has
sent three commissioners to Washington to
consult with Lincoln [?], to enquire his
policy, and to get him to stay the hand
of war until this state shall make
a further effort to redeem the country--If
this is not done the most awful
consequences may be anticipated -- The settled
policy of the Convention -- Union men and all, is
[page 2]
to recognise the [?] prudence of the
seceded states--The Forts have been the
great trouble--Summers today presented
a compromise proposition, it is to recom-
mend the gov't to surrender to the
seceded states all the forts, arsenals
dock yards & on the main land
or within the harbors of those states--
and to obtain possession for the present
of the quo national forts such as
the Tortugas and Key west-- as they
stand far out in the gulf and
afford a protection to the navigation
of the gulf and the Mississippi
River -- The Union men have
the responsibility of the state on their
hands, and you would be surprised
to see what a burthen it is to them--
They re all making a mighty effort to
sustain the state rights doctrine and
yet they find it a bitter pill--I
speak more particularly of the old
Federalists--Goggin and Branch
have gone entirely over. Flourney
[page 3]
is nearly over. Preston may now
be said to be in the right wing of
the state rights party--Marshall
of Winchester is the head and front.
Does this not surprise you--
At the commencement of the session
they made a terrible attac on Wise,
but he has baged them one by one--
I have never seen his equal. He
never fails in his speech. He
never fails in his everlasting tact
to get some advantage--Sommers
prevailed over him today about the
forts. that was however by the
force of numbers. In the arguement
Wise sustained himself manfully-
Tonight he literally slaughtered
Brown from Preston on the tax
question-- the fact is the whole
convention is afraid of him except
Tim Rives.
I fear we will not get off from
here till week after next, day
20 or perhaps 25. yet we may
If I do not I wish you to have
[page 4]
all my cases passed. I am to
defend [?] Knight for felony.
Set the case to about 4 may--I
will at home by that time.
Your old friends often enquire
after you. Chambliss
Wise Price Carpenter and
others. They want to know
what kind of Judge you
make. Chambliss thinks
you are to determined, too
unyielding for a Judge. Whilst
I told him you were not I
thought there was a good deal
of truth in his remark.
Carlile and I had a brush in the
Convention yesterday-- he says
our people dont want any
thing from the North. You will
see the report. He is on the Bots platform
Write to me and oblige Yr. frd.
B. Wilson.
MSS 11540
Saturday, April 9, 2011
1861 April 9 Concord, N.H.
Dr. Friend Thoreau
A friend of mine
away in New York, wishes
very much a copy of each
of your "Memoirs"--id
est "in the Woods," and
"on the Rivers." I told
him they were not in mark-
et; but if he would com-
mission me, perhaps it
would achieve the object.
Now can you, & will
you cause a copy of each
to meet me at An-
ti Slavery Office, 221 Wash-
ington St. some day
the present week!
[page 2]
And more unreason
able still, will you take
me for pay-master?
Probably you will not
very long be kept out of
your money--certainly
not longer than you
have been sometimes
when writing for our
pretentious, progressive
monthlies!
Seriously however, if
you will direct them to
me, as above, to care of
Mr. Wallcut, with the prices,
I will remit the money
so soon as I receive
them. My remunera
tion for my trouble, is as-
sured beforehand.
[page 3]
But what anyone
can want to read your
"battle of the Pissminy" for
at a time like this, is past
finding out--Have we not
Sumpter & Pickens, the
Texas Frontier, nay & our
very Capital to defend?
Or who wants to read
how you can play with
a "bream" in the water
when the Leviathan of Slav-
ery is hourly threatning to
swallow 'Old Abe" like Jo
nah, never to vomit
him, till our ^'northern' Nineveh
is also whelmed in
the sea of God's wrath!
But the old "de gustibus"
holds good yet.
[page 4]
Is it not hopeful, however,
that we have some who
are not daft nor damned
by the eternal screech of
politics? Men & but men,
who stay at home with God
and the Lord and let the hea
then rage? I glory in
such even from the muzzle
of cannon & the mouth of mobs.
But I am troubling you too
long, & to no purpose. Please
give my kindest regards to
Mr. Emerson, should he cross
your path. Tell him I hope
to hear a part of the Boston
Lectures--and with my very
sincerest remembrances
to your excellent mother & sis
ter, believe me
Ever fraternally yours
Parker Pillsbury
Nor you nor Mr. Alcott
need ever urge me to condescend
to Concord when the way opens.
A friend of mine
away in New York, wishes
very much a copy of each
of your "Memoirs"--id
est "in the Woods," and
"on the Rivers." I told
him they were not in mark-
et; but if he would com-
mission me, perhaps it
would achieve the object.
Now can you, & will
you cause a copy of each
to meet me at An-
ti Slavery Office, 221 Wash-
ington St. some day
the present week!
[page 2]
And more unreason
able still, will you take
me for pay-master?
Probably you will not
very long be kept out of
your money--certainly
not longer than you
have been sometimes
when writing for our
pretentious, progressive
monthlies!
Seriously however, if
you will direct them to
me, as above, to care of
Mr. Wallcut, with the prices,
I will remit the money
so soon as I receive
them. My remunera
tion for my trouble, is as-
sured beforehand.
[page 3]
But what anyone
can want to read your
"battle of the Pissminy" for
at a time like this, is past
finding out--Have we not
Sumpter & Pickens, the
Texas Frontier, nay & our
very Capital to defend?
Or who wants to read
how you can play with
a "bream" in the water
when the Leviathan of Slav-
ery is hourly threatning to
swallow 'Old Abe" like Jo
nah, never to vomit
him, till our ^'northern' Nineveh
is also whelmed in
the sea of God's wrath!
But the old "de gustibus"
holds good yet.
[page 4]
Is it not hopeful, however,
that we have some who
are not daft nor damned
by the eternal screech of
politics? Men & but men,
who stay at home with God
and the Lord and let the hea
then rage? I glory in
such even from the muzzle
of cannon & the mouth of mobs.
But I am troubling you too
long, & to no purpose. Please
give my kindest regards to
Mr. Emerson, should he cross
your path. Tell him I hope
to hear a part of the Boston
Lectures--and with my very
sincerest remembrances
to your excellent mother & sis
ter, believe me
Ever fraternally yours
Parker Pillsbury
Nor you nor Mr. Alcott
need ever urge me to condescend
to Concord when the way opens.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
1861 April 5 Harper's Ferry
[letter of Philip Edloe Jones continues]
Sunday morning Apr 5th/61
Dear Pa,
I will add a little more to my letter
but I have not much more time to write.
It is a very fine morning, has cleared off beautifully,
it snowed yesterday for an hour or two as hard as I
every saw it snow. We have had some right cool weather
in the last week, & it is still right cool.
I expect to go to preaching this morning in the
Methodist Church. It makes me think more about
home Sundays, than any other time, Sunday is very
little, if any more respected here than any other day.
Every thing is very quiet now, not much excitement.
Five hundred Kentuckians were expected here yester-
day evening, I did n’t hear whether they arrived.
I would like to have Penny here with me very
much, hope he will come on yet. I got acquainted
with some Robertsons the other day, Ma’s relations.
I will be very glad to see Mr. Thompson & Chiles,
hope they will be on here soon. We all miss Hyman
& Mr Lane very much, Hyman was fine amusement
for us, & he was a great deal of service to us, my
respects to him. It is said we can get letters
through mail now, I hope you all will write very often.
I was very fo sorry to hear of Jim’s sickness,
hope he is well by this time. Ask Mattie when
she is coming over to wash for me? Tell her she
must come over with Mr. Bickers. I wish Jim &
Nead would write to me, I would like very much
to get a letter from them. I’ve been expecting a
letter from Sister Page, but have been disappointed
this far, tell her she must write to me soon.
[page 4]
I want to see you all at home very much,
I reckon the Baby has forgotten me before this
time, but she knew me the night I started, though I
had on my uniform. I have no idea when I’ll
get home, I reckon I’ll be amongst the last to go,
as I don’t expect to beg anybody to let me go home.
Our fare had been better for the last two or three
days, the “Beef” has n’t been quite as tough as
ususal, the reason for it, is I do n’t, but I hope it is
because all of the “Old Cows” have been killed, &
we are getting to the young ones. I will never
want to see any more Beef after getting home.
My best love to all of the Ladies & all inquiring
friends. Joe & I got a very nice letter from Miss
Lute Payne, yesterday, my love to her & thank her
for it. My best love to Mrs. Cammack, & thank
her for the nice work case she sent me.
Write very often, I’ll write as often as I can.
My best love to all at home
& at Aunt Cynthias. From yr devoted &
Most Aff Son
P. Edloe. Jones.
Louisa Blues
Cap. Muray
Direct yr letters through mail, Via Win chester
Edloe
Col. J. W. Jones
Phillip Edloe Jones, was one of three brothers from Louisa Court House, Virginia, who fought in the "Louisa Blues" 13th Virginia Regiment. The other brothers were Francis Pendleton Jones and the Rev. John William Jones, later famous as the author of "Christ in the camp."
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 13407
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