1861 July 8 Near Winchester [Virginia]

My Darling – The last week has been one of
patient waiting for a fight. On Monday 1st inst
I was ordered by Col Jackson to go to Martinsburg &
burn some engines, at which I was engaged until
Tuesday morning when I received an order to join
my Company accompanied with the inform
ation that the enemy was approaching and our
forces had gone out to give him battle. I obt
ained a conveyance as speedily as I could, and
the first intelligence of the fight I received from
my regiment which I fear was retreating. My
Company I was pleased to learn had fought bravely
on Wednesday morning we took our stand six
miles this side of Martinsburg, and there awaited
the approach of the enemy until Sunday morning
when we retired to this place three miles from
Winchester. This we expect to be our battle field
When it will take place it is impossible. It
may be to-morrow or perhaps not for a month
depending upon the movements of the enemy
I look forward to it without any feeling of alarm
I can’t tell why but it is so. My fate may
be that of Cousin Nat McChesney, of whose
death I have just heard. If so let it be.
I die in the discharge of a duty from which
it is neither my wish nor my privilege to
shrink.

I have received two or three letters from
you since my last was written – the last
accompanied by shirt & [-] both
very acceptable
The horse trade was entirely satisfactory

[page 2]
Act in the same way in all matters
connected with the farm – Just consider
yourself a widow, and in military par –
lance insist upon being “obeyed & respected
accordingly”. Have the crop of wheat threshed
and sell it at the best figure you can get
The wood which is cut on the bushy
hill you can sell if there is an opportunity
Be careful however as you many sell 50
cords and the man who buys for all you
know may take a hundred.

Pay your board at Annies out of the first money
you get. She may not be disposed to accept it
but I insist upon it. I wish to pay no such
bills merely with gratitude.
Newman is still in the army but I have not
seen him for a month. I called to see him
the other day but he was not at his quarters

It is now nearly three months since I left
home & I hardly know how the time has passed
All I know is that if I do my duty I have but
little leisure. I am used to the hardships of the
service and feel that I have the health and
strength to bear any fatigue or exposure –
Sometimes as I lay upon the ground, My
face to the sky, I think of Mathews little verse
“twinkle twinkle little star”, and my mind
wanders back to the wife and little ones at
home. Bless you, if I never return the wish which
lies nearest to my heart is for your happi
ness. And now my darling again
good bye. Kiss little Mathew & Gala for me
and tell them Papa sends it. Give my
love to Pa & Rachel and for yourself accept
all that a fond husband can give.
Ever Yours E F. Paxton

University of Virginia alumnus Elisha F. "Bull" Paxton, 1828-1863,had been at odds with Thomas J. Jackson over the issue of Virginia's secession from the Union, but was now reconciled with him.

Paxton references the Battle of Falling Waters on Tuesday July 2nd. Although little more than a skirmish it was Jackson's first engagement of the war.

MSS 2165-a