1861 September 28 Camp near Germantown

My Dear Wife
Your kind and affectionate letter
was received to day and as Billy Boggs leaves to –
-morrow for home I will write you a few lines.
You will have received letters by Mr. Sloan and Rosboro.
Nothing of interest has occurred since I last
wrote only that of our having been out since
last Tuesday. An attack was expected and our
Brigade with several others were called upon to
sustain our Pickets. The enemy showed himself
in some force and engaged one of our Regt.
Col Kershaw, killing one man and wounding
one or more. You must overlook bad writing
etc as I have [been] on the march nearly all
of last night. Some thing of interest may
be looked for soon, as we infer from many
incidents and movements now taking place.
On Thursday and Friday while out (bivouacking
as before) we had a blow approaching the gales
prevalent during the season, and today is
quite cool. We cannot think for a moment
what we can or do pass through, but as

you remarked we could not at home think
of subjecting ourselves to such exposure. This
will no doubt (should we live) tell on us in
after years. With sadness we note the death of
another of our boys Mr. F.C. Nelson. Billy
Boggs carries his remains home. He (Mr. Nelson)
was kind and affable and our Company loses
one of its first and best members. This will
be a severe shock upon his mother as she is
not aware probably of his being sick. He
was a warm friend to me and I felt quite
sad [‘at’ lined out] ^ ‘over’ his loss. He was a cousin of Mr. Robin-
son whose remains were sent home some
time ago. How dearly would I like to see the
loved ones and the little jewels. My imagination
often leads me home, but [-] I find I am
not there. If should get an opportunity send
me yours with the childrens pictures. I feel
gratified as you do that “Abram” is not
on hand. I hope your winter may be a pleasant
one, and that I may not be far from you.
When I get home then we will talk of our
home. Say to Mr. Creamer that for as
much as I know he will be able to
get the bake loner [?]. He certainly should give
$4 per month mention this as coming from

me, and if $ 4 is not to be had, we will take
$3, write me in your next, you may make
the bargain try to get $4. You did not say
anything of your funds Wm. Creight is [to]
leave $90 with you. I will probably send
you $50 soon again. I must close as I
feel quite wearied. Give much love to all
and accept the purest affection of
Your husband
J.M. Phinney

Write soon direct to Fairfax C.H.
excuse the scrawl
Say to Will I will write soon


James M. Phinney, 1st Lieutenant from Winnsboro, S C., in the Boyce Guards Militia and the 6th South Carolina Infantry.
MSS 12661