1861 Nov[ember] 3 Centreville Va.

My darling Wife
I received your last letter
the day before yesterday and was much gratified
to hear that you were all well. The Frenchman
and the wheat crop give you a peck of trouble
but you have the gratification of knowing you
are not alone in your misery. We have occasion
ally some little of it here. Night before last and
yesterday, for instance, we had a storm of wind
and rain which blew over many of the tents
turning their inmates out in the weather, and
rendering it almost impossible to cook anything
to eat. We thought it bad enough here, but
I doubt not those regiments which were out
on picket without tents fared even worse
than we did here. If you who have brick
houses and dry quarters to live in have
your troubles, those of us here fare worse.
This is poor consolation it is true,

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I thought when I came here that I was settled
for a while at least as Major of the Regiment, but
last week I got an order from Gen Smith, to
take charge of the roads used by the Army
and have them put in repair. The appointment
implied an opinion that I possessed the energy
and industry to have the work done, and I
am grateful so far at the compliment, but
it is a post which involves much hard work
and affords no opportunity for winning
laurels. It is however a post of much import
ance and I shall spare no effort to justify
the favourable opinion which induced my
appointment.
As to the Frenchman, say to Wm White, to
cancel the contract which I made with him
I herewith send a note to Wm which read
and hand to him. My wish is in every
thing about home to relieve you of everything
which gives you any trouble. I wish you
to be as comfortable as is possible

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while this war may continue our separation
You have no experience in business--it does
not suit you, and I do not wish you to
be annoyed with it--Do just what you
like and whatever you do will be satisfactory
to me.
The wind blows cold, Love, and as I write in
my tent without fire I will draw my letter
to a close--I have received the overcoat and
other things which you sent me by Arch
Alexander, also boots sent by Brockenbrough
Say to your father that the cloth is just
suited to the purpose for which I need
the coat this winter, outdoor life in all sorts
of weather. I have another message which I have
though for some time of sending him. It is this,
teh principal part of my estate consists of
my land in Ohio, the loss of which, and I
have but little hope of anything else, breaks
me. My other property under the depreciation
which the war is likely to produce will

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not pay my debits. I think proper to com
municate this so that if he thinks proper
to change his will he can do so, and
make such provision for you as he deems
best. The future is dark enough I am sure. But
I shall go on here in a faithful discharge of my
duties trusting that it may some day be brighter
And now Love Good bye. Kiss our dear little
for me and remind them of their absent papa
Ever yours
E F Paxton
Enclosed I send you check $66.00

Elisha Frank "Bull" Paxton was one of 29 University of Virginia Confederate generals.MSS 658