1861 May 4th Harpers Ferry, Va.

                                       Harpers Ferry   April  ^’May’  4th /61
                        My Dear Pa,
                                       As I have a little time
this evening I will write to you, though I do n’t know
when I’ll have an opportunity of sending a letter
home.  Mr. Winston & the other men arrived saf[e]ly this
morning, there was a great rejoicing & cheering when
they came in, I was very glad to meet with all of
them, especially Jno Thomas, who broke out in
one of his famous “big laughs”.  I was very
much delighted to get so much news to day,
through letters & friends, it took me some time
to get through all of my letters, & the papers, for
which I’m very much obligid to you indeed, I have
not read yet.  The box of cakes were enjoyed very
much by myself & a few friends, I’ve not eaten
them all yet, but guess Ill finish them tomorrow.
The things clothes were safely received, & they were
all very acceptable, I was very muched pleased
with the shirts, they are the very shirts for this kind
of life, I had intended writing for some.
The new uniform is right coarse, but I think it is
the very thing for us, It will be so hard to wear out.
I’ve just finished supper, I told Jno. Thomas, that
the cows did not come up, or I would have given milk.
I’ve just gotten so used to this life, that I do nt mind
it now at all, can eat anything, & sleep anywhere,
I know it is a great deal better for me to be contented
& therefore I am contented, & will be so as long as I
possibly can.  I think Joe is getting right home
sick, but I wo’n’t let him get so when I’m near,
he got a long letter from his Uncle, Dr. Gray,

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who seems very uneasy about him, says he can’t
stand the hardships, that he has to stand here.
Dr. Gray also sent him a certificate certifying that
he was unfit for military duty, I think therefore if Joe
tries, he can get off very easily, I would dislike
very much to separate from Joe, but think he ought
to go home, the Dr. spoke of coming here himself
to try to get Joe off.  I’ve stood thus far, a good
deal better than I could have expected, have been
well the whole time, with the exception of a cold,
which is about well now, but that long march
came very near breaking me down.
I was very glad to hear that Westheimer had been
cleared out, hope he will be kept away now.
We were all mustered into regular service yesterday, & are
now subject to the order of the State, for any len[g]th
of time, we did n’t like it much, but had to
submit to it, like it or dislike it.  We are all getting
very tired of this place, but I had rather stay
here than to go to Norfolk or any of those lower
places, we may have to go to after leaving here,
It is very healthy here, & they say it is always so
We use Cook’s school room for our kitchen.
I believe I’ve told you how we manage affairs here,
We can’t go to bed until after nine oclock, the
roll is then called & every man  is to answer to his
name, the Reverlee is beaten at six in the mornin,
& every one is to arise and answer to his name again
I have n’t seen a great deal of Uncle Phil Ashby,
as I’m so closely confined, he was down to see
me last night & the night before, he expects to
join the Culpepper Min. men.  I must stop for the night

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so I bid you a good night.  P. E. Jones

Philip Edloe Jones, Private, Co. E, 13th Virginia Infantry

MSS 13407