1861 August 9 Camp Fairfax Station [Virginia]

My darling old Lady
Capt. Tom [Yancey?] staid with
me last night & said that he saw
you yesterday at Gordonsville & that
you were looking well & cheerful
You cant imagine how much good
it done me to hear so directly
from you. He said you spoke
of your proposed visit--I think
you will have no dificulty in
getting here provided we rem-
ain but I am fearful we may
be sent off before you can reach
here, but hope to the contrary - I
understand the cars will run
next week--If so it will not
be long before I hope to write
to you to come on Genl McDowel
has advanced his column 4 miles

[page 2]
this side of Alexandria, although
we have little or no apprehension
of any further advance by him, Still
we have extended area around our
picket guards and in every other
way increased our vigilance.
Col. Gibbons is slowly improving
but will not be able to take com-
mand of batallion drill for two
or three weeks--probably not
so soon--I have got on very
well as commander. Have had
no trouble with the drills or
any other duty--I think there
was an idea among the men
& officers with a few exceptions
that no one could drill the Reg-
iment but Col G. They have in
this respect been most emph
atically undeceived. I have  adopt
ed my own plan of instruction and
will enforce it most strictly--and
will I hope increase the proficiency

[page 3]
of the Regiment-- A letter signed by
every member present of the V Guards
tendering the captaincy of the co
to Dr. Williams was handed to me
this evening, with the request that
I would forward it to him & procure
his acceptance--If he will accept
the co will be saved from ruin
& that speedily too.

I learn that Ned is with you
again--I hope he can remain
until the cars run through &
will bring you down with him
but I suppose he cant do this.

Put in your trunk a blanket &
sheets--In the eating line a pat of
butter packed in a box of tomatoes
& a little bag of salt wil be just
about as much as you can attend
to--unless you should add a few
of Millies hard[?] buiskets & a ham-
uncooked--I make this suggestion
for I may have to telegraph to you

[page 4]
you when to start--At present I
dont think you can come before
Wednesday of next week

Affetionately
E.T. H.

Thomas Layton Yancey, Captain, Company I, 1st Va. Cavalry
V Guards: Harrisonburg Valley Guards, Company G of the 10th Va. Infantry
Dr. Williams: William Williams, former Surgeon of the 10th Va. Infantry

[thanks to John P. Mann IV for the above identifications]
Fourth Regiment Virginia Volunteers and later Colonel of the Tenth.
MSS 7786-g