1861 October 27 Camp near Centreville

Head Quarters 5 Brigade

My dear John

I have just received the box of clothing
all safely--opened it & delivered to the servants S[?] &
Tyler the articles for them--and retain what is for my-
self--This will give us an abundant supply for the
present--& I write to relieve your mind & that of
your mother of all uncertainty about the package
which may have been caused by my previous letters.

They have just sent me from Richmond a
Commission as Brig. Genl. dated 21st inst: This com-
mission does not in the least change my purpose which
as I wrote you some time since was fixed to remain
in service until after something decisive had transpired
in the line of military operations--If I survive
such events it will be time enough to think
of subsequent action--A few weeks at most
will I think develop the designs of the enemy upon
this line--and it may be in much less time--In the
mean time my consideration of duty, patriotism
and honour conspire to indicate clearly to me the
course marked out for myself as the only one
possible for me to pursue under the circumstances--

I am trying to have [?]Cocke commissioned as
A A Adjt Genl of the Brig & have written to the Secretary
or War upon the subject--I still think you ought

[page 2]
to remain at home at home at least for some time longer
if possible to reconcile your Mother & sisters to their
situation in my absence--It is not possible for me
to conceive any plan so proper & safe for them as
our own home especially if you remain with them--
and I forsee great, almost insurmountable objections
to so large a family of unprotected females & young
children going to board in a town or city. I do trust
in God that you mother & sisters will be reconciled to
the idea of remaining at home under your protection--

I have received a letter from Mr. Ed. Cunningham
in which he writes that my taxes amount to $1406.89
state & county for 1861--I suppose this includes Beldale
I send my check on the other side on the Farmers Bank
to Goode Sheriff of Powhatan--You will insert
on the check the initials of his first name--and get
his receipt for the taxes upon the tax bill when you
deliver to him the check--

If you can sell our wheat to any of the millers in
Richmond (who are responsible) or get Deane to select
for the best current prices we must let it go-in order
to raise money for current expenses. I hope they
will be able to dispose of the flour also--Ask them to
deposit proceeds of sales as they are made in the
Farmers Bank to my credit--or if of your produce
to your credit

I regret very much losing the agency of such a

[page 3]
house as that of Crenshaw & Co and if the break between
yourself and the house is not impasable-and I see
not why it should be--it will be our best policy to
continue their agency if they will agree to act--
They are business men & having means there is no danger
of losing by them--and besides they are able to
advance to us when we may find it convenient--
Few other houses are in such situation--
So continue with them if you can bring about
a satisfactory explanation o& agreement with them--
If not then we must get T.S. Deane H. & James to
act as our agents & Commission Merchants--

With love to all the dear ones I
remain my dear John
Yr afft father
Philip St Geo Cocke

Maj Jno G Cocke
Belmead

P.S. Address all letters to Manassas

MSS 640