1861 Sep[tember] 8 Camp Harmon

My Darling Wife –
I will devote to a letter to my loving little
wife at home part of this quiet Sunday evening – Sinner as I am
I like to see something to mark the difference between Sunday
and weekday. We have no drills on Sunday and generally
two or three sermons in different parts of the camp, which
was not so some time since when every thing went on
as on every other day. This morning we had a sermon from
Bishop Johns who dined with us and this afternoon he
preaches again. We expect this evening a distinguished
visitor Mrs Jackson, so we shall have mistress as well
as master in the camp. The General went for her to
Manassas yesterday evening but returned without her
finding that she had gone to Fairfax, where he imme
diately started in search of her. When she arrives his
Headquarters I doubt not will present much more the app
earance of civilization. But before she is here long
she will probably be startled with an alarm, false
or real of a fight, which will make her wish she
was at home again.
Do just as you please Love about staying out at home
But if you can stay there feeling yourself safe & not
too lonely, it will cost less and I doubt not every
thing will go on better than if you were away.

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Among the idle women about town & there are
enough of them I think you might find some one
to stay with you for company and protection if
you think two scared women better able to protect
themselves than one.
Consider yourself at liberty to do just what you please
on the farm and I shall be satisfied. But don’t Kill
the Durham heifers or the Compton cow if they never
calve. They are fine stock and must have a fair trial
Have you ever found out when I got Jordans mules?
I think you ought to keep a note book for the record
of such events. My recollection is that it was between
Feby 15 & March 1 & about Dec 1 you may lookout.
But Darling wife it is no laughing matter and I
heartily wish this war might end and I might get home
with you before that time. It is sad to think of another little
one brought to the crib where our first dear little one was
laid and Papa not there to bid it welcome and pledge it
through life a fathers love and care. But this sad prospect
is in the future of many of my comrades who like myself are
here to forego every other duty and risk every thing to secure
the rights which we have been accustomed to enjoy at
our homes.
And now Love I will bid you good-bye again. I will write
tomorrow & have the Dispatch sent to you. Kiss Mathew
& Gala for me & tell them it is from Papa – for yourself
take a husbands best love – Ever Yours – E F Paxton

Elisha Frank "Bull" Paxton, a University of Virginia law alumnus was major of the 27th Virginia Infantry, part of the "Stonewall Brigade" commanded by his old Lexington, Va., friend Thomas J. Jackson.

MSS 2165