1861 August 14 Camp near Germantown

3rd Brigade Army of the Potomac
Aug. 14, 1861
My Dear Wife
By the above address you will
see that our Camp has been moved. We are now
about 13 miles from Alexandria and 1 ½ miles of Fairfax
C.H. Our Brigade is now encamped around the
village of Germantown, which place was recently burnt
by the Northern troops. I visited the scene yesterday
and found a dreary desolate looking village. Our
army is fast concentrating in this direction, but we
are not expecting an attack, as the enemy are forti
fied at Arlington Heights and Alexandria. A moment
might change matters materially. The Federal Congress
are doing little or nothing tending to peace. It was
rumored yesterday in Camp that peace proposals
had passed the house of Representatives. This style of rumor
is so common that we scarcely know what to believe.
We experienced quite a cool night (last) having had
a heavy rain since Monday. We had a nice time Monday
the day of our leaving Camp Pettus, distant some 6 miles
from the place. It commenced raining when we were about
3 miles from our present position. We were nice and wet when
at our destination, but these are some of the Comforts of a
soldiers life. I regret that I do not hear from home
oftener, as it makes me feel as though I was in the land
of the living. I am sorry I have not some of my thick
clothing. The summer clothing I will send home the
first opportunity. There is nothing of importance to com
municate since last I wrote. If you have an opportunity
send my thick brown coat, and if possible get me 1 doz
pair thick home made woolen socks. The best to be
had. You would be able to get them knit through the
country, and send by Wm Boggs when he returns
I want you to send word to Wm Creamer [?] to
make me a pair of water proof shoes similar to
those he made for McCants, (wide bottom double stitch)
Do not fail to do this immediately. I will enclose a
memorandum of my wants. The boys seem to stand
the marchs very well. Wm Creight has not yet ret-
urned. I hope he will bring me a letter. Our Camp
may be moved in a very short time. The S.C. Regiments
are all within a short distance of each other. Fitz
Mc Master was to see us yesterday. Johnny Matthorn [?] was
to see me also. There is some sickness in all the Camp,
and in Renshaw’s [?] Regiment several deaths.
As there is

nothing new I will close. Give much love to all and accept
the purest affection of
Your Affectionate Husband
JM Phinney

P.S. Write Soon. How are your funds we
will be paid soon.



Phinney was a Confederate officer from Winnsboro, S. C., in the Boyce Guards Militia and the 6th Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Seven Days’ Battles in Virginia and was killed in action at Fair Oaks in 1862

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