1861 Nov[ember] 24 Camp near Centreville

My dear John

I have received, after some delay by mail
your very satisfactory letter of the 16th--I received at the
same time one from you Mother of about the same
date in which she requested me to write to meet
her in Richmond about this time--which I have done
by the last mail--I also heard of your going to
Richmond with your sisters--I hope this will meet you
on your return---

I appreciated your solicitude about me--and know how
the hearts of all must be tried at home by our long and
cruel separation--But these are times in which we
must make up our minds to bear bravely the severe
trials we are called upon to endure--and may God help
us to do so! So far, however, I have not actually suffered
in camp--and am doubtless now comfortable than
many-- one thing however these unhappy times should
teach all--that there is no earthly [?] as hope that
may not fail us--and that a prayerful trust in
God is the only unfailing stay & support of the immortal

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spirit under whatever costly trials & misfortunes--
and may we all my dear John seek and find that
support which will serve us in the present con=
test and strengthen our hopes of final triumph over
enemies in the cause of all that is near and dear
to the human heart!

In regard matters of business--The same list of
property given to the County Commissioners of the Revenue
had better be made the basis of the list to be
tendered to the Confederate Commissioners--If there
are any subjects or articles of taxation not in the first
list-You can obtain them from such lists of property
as we have--I think it would be well to advise
with Mr Finny & to get Ed Carrington to aid yo
in making out the list of property--so as not to
fail to tender it by the time required by law--

I will mention that the Packer[?] debt has been reduced
to $35000.00 by payments made. That a bond of some
$3500 of N.F. Cabell "is out of date" & therefore of no legal
obligation--should not therefore be estimated as property--
as it has been in fact partially given up by allowing it

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to get out of date without renewall or security--

I have written to Thos S. Deane (Deane & S Jones)to
aid you in procuring a supply of salt sufficient to salt
the pork upon the two places & if possible to avoid the
extortionate prices charged--I see that in Lynchburg
some parties advertise to [?] it at $350 per sack
and I have requested Deane & S Jones to assist you
in procuring either from Lynchburg or [?] [?]
quantity of salt you may find will be necessary to
avoid the loss of our pork--& [?] the best terms
they can procure it--It is possible too you may pur-
chase it yourself upon better terms than any one can as well
for you--- Mr. Deane advises that the tobacco be
kept on the plantation for the present--which had
better be done----

Tell Mr Talbott that he should endeavour to sell as
much corn- hay-&c as possible--by sending the same to Rich-
mond--as the prices there may justify-

Keep an eye yourself upon the [?] accounts and
receive all cash from time to time paid into the [?]
and pay it over to your mother---

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These and all other things you will have to look after--
Keep the mechanics employed quarrying stone--getting [?]
building &c &c--just as you may direct--either on your
place or Belmead--

Write to me fully and often and tell me all about
the dear ones at home I ask that the girls will also
write [?] I may not be able to reply regularly to
all their letters--With love to all--I remain my
dear John
Yr affectionate father
Philip St Geo Cocke

Sterling & Tyler are well-- My regards to the servants.

MSS 640
[to be continued]