1861 October 24

My dear Ma;
It has been so long since I wrote
a letter that I’ve almost gotten my hand out. I don’t believe I’ve writ-
ten since Bro John left – I had rather do most anything else than write.
Nothing of any importance has happened since Pen wrote to you last –
We got back to camp yesterday evening – we had a very nice time
with the exception of one evening that it rained very hard. It was very
cool last night & the wind blew very hard– came very near blowing our tents
over – Mr. Walthall left us this morning – he seemed to enjoy himself
very much – Kit stayed with him when we went on picket.
Leon is still here, having a very nice time – I don’t think he has
any idea of going home anytime soon unless we move away. I’ve
thought of Jim & Meade oftener more than ever since Leon has been with us
wish they could come over to see us. Leon has promised to sleep in my
tent to night…Will Ashby got back to camp yesterday evening – all at Uncle
William’s were well – Cou[s]ine Bailey will return to Culpepper tomorrow.
Uncle Phil Ashby was here a few days ago – he is camped near here…. We had
the full particulars of the fight at Leesburg this morning – a great ma-
ny of the prisoners passed here – I did not see any them – It is reported
today that the Yankees have possession of Leesburg but no one believes
it. We hear a great many rumours – heard the other day that we were
going to Kentucky, no one believed that of course….
Your letter to Pen was received this morning - we were very glad to
hear from all of you . We will be glad to see Bro. John back – will
expect him Tuesday or Wednesday – reckon he will hate to leave home

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right bad – the trunk which he started with was left at the sta=
tion – we got it the next day & have it now – will send it home by the first
opportunity – would have sent it by Mr. Walthall but he was not going
to the CH & we did not like to trouble him with it. I wish Pa would
come over with Bro. John if he thought he could get through, but
I reckon it would be very doubtful whether he would find us here
or not, for I do n’t think we are settled yet by any means. I wish
Joe Brooks would pay us a visit – tell him he must come over with
Bro. John & bring his blanket & spend several weeks with us..
They are still throwing up breast works – are fortifying nearly
every hill near Centreville – I do n’t think our Generals have any idea
of falling back anymore. I never was more surprised at anything
in my life as I was when we fell back from Fairfax. I hated
leaving the Station right much, had been there so long that I had
formed and attachment for the place – This is a very good place
for a camp – right on a very high hill & plenty of hen grass
all around us which makes a very good bed. I must now
stop for the present. Excuse this badly written letter & all mistakes
I am ashamed to send my letters very often – they are so badly
written & there is so little connection – my best love to all
at home & friends & accept a large share for yr self.
yr devoted & most
P. S. Aff son Edloe –
Pen says send his old grey suit by Bro. John.
My boots can be easily altered so as to fit by put[t]ing
a piece in the leg – the foot is plenty large I’m certain –
P. E. Jones
P. Edloe Jones, Private Co. E, 13th Virginia Infantry
MSS 13407