Tuesday, August 16, 2011

1861 August 16 Camp Fairfax



My dear Pa:
We were glad to see Harry on Thurs-
day as also to receive the letter from home
which he delivered safely. From accounts
which we had rec d. of the dignitary’s course
at home our mess had become somewhat
uneasy about him and was agreeably
surprised at his unsuspected punctuality.
In his absence we managed between us to
get along very well and fare about as
[less?]curiously as when we enjoyed his superb
cooking; but we all attended to the kitchen
department with great reluctance and
we had become considerably spoilt by
having a waitman. I was appointed chief
cook on one occasion and Jas. Winston as
“sub”; with Ma’s receipt for bread and the
little experience acquired in camp togeth-
er with instinctive faculties, we fared sump-
tuously. Winston Payne is our commissary and
his untiring efforts and energies often furnishes
us with as good meals as one could wish.
We have about consumed the contents of
the boxes sent by Crockett, having enjoyed
them greatly. Harry was not so fortunate
with his boxes as Crockett and had to leave

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them at the Junction as there were no wagons
of our regiment there when he arrived.

Mr. Kennon went up to-day to see about
them and I hope will return with them
safely tomorrow. It is probably well that Ma
and sister did not trouble themselves about
fixing a box for us as others in our mess
had provisions sent them and it is better
not to have too much on hand at once,
both because it would not keep so well and
in case of a move would be inconvenient
to carry and consequently have to be left.
We are greatly obliged to them for their continued
unceasing efforts to provide for our comforts
since we entered service and feel more forcibly
every day that there are few fellows in serv-
ice more blessed and highly favored than we.
In his letter to Sister John doubtless told
you that our regiment has been payed
up to the 1st July. Of course there was
great rejoicing among the men as some
really needed funds and all thought that
they ought to be well paid for their labors
and sacrifices. As an evil consequence of the
payment there is a great deal of gambling
carried on which has been forbidden here-
tofore from lack of funds. In our own com-
pany there are no few who today as I have

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good reason to believe have been gambling
constantly. Ed received forty eight dollars
and I, unexpectedly, twenty six; John
recd. twenty nine dollars. As we will have
but little use for the whole amount in
Camp we expect to send some home by the
first opportunity which we hope will not
be unacceptable. Ed purchased a splendid Yan-
kee overcoat yesterday for thirteen dollars;
I bought one for twelve & a half – The coats of
themselves are richly worth the amounts in
times of peace but the associations have
rendered them more valuable. Captain
M. bought one also and gave fifteen for
it……Jno. L. Johnson paid us a visit
today; he looks well. Jno. Daniel came to
see us yesterday; spent night before last at
Fall’s Church – reports all quiet in that vicin-
ity. Will Jones stays with us a great deal; has
applied for a transfer to a Cavalry company and
will probably get it – will join Capt. Davis’ Co.
which is now quartered at the C.H.
It will amuse you to hear that John
was put on double duty last night for sleep-
ing too late in the morning & consequently
failing to answer at roll call – As there is
an abundance of tents now & our’s was crowded
Ed and I have moved into another & could not

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wake him up in time. We can hear
cannonading here every day and there
was a rumor yesterday there was
a considerable ^ ‘fight in the’ vicinity of Leesburg –
I hardly know what to say about the truth
of the rumor. Please send for our mess
and with them an account of the follow-
ing articles: 1 Doz Tin Plates; 1 Doz cheap Knives
& Forks; ½ Doz Tea spoons; 2 Tin Pans diff. in sizes
and about [-] deep; One 1 ½ ga. Coffee Boil-
er; 1 Large Tin Cup for Ed and one for Garrett.
I commenced writing with the inten-
tion of finishing a “long letter but have
just been detailed for guard and must
close. Please send the things as soon as you
can. I see no probability of our moving
any time soon. We are getting on very
well – all the company are satisfied
and contented here. With much
love to you all and all of our good
neighbors & hoping that some of you will
write soon, I remain
Your Aff. Son
F. Pendleton Jones
F. W. Jones Esq.} Ma omitted to send sister
Page’s letter – mentioned in her
last.


MSS 13407

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