1861 Nov[ember 5] Centreville

My Dear Sister –
To day I received your
warmly welcome latter, and I can assure
you that nothing could have delighted
me more than the glad tidings that you
would soon connect your self with
the Church of which our Mother was
a tried, and faithful member. It is hard-
ly necessary for me to advise you on
your conduct in the course which you
have chosen to pursue. Your own heart
has led you deliberately to the step, and
of your own free will you have renoun-
ced the fading glories of this world
and claimed that better part which
does not perish. I am glad you have
acted thus uninfluenced, and have so
independently made your decision.
There is no act in your life which
could be of the same importance,
and I am most happy to believe that
you have committed it fully impressed
with its solemnity, and moment.
May heaven bless you in your entrance
upon this new life and shield you from

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from the temptations and exposures with
which your pathway will be fraught.
Tomorrow Our regiment goes on
picket but the federal forces are quite
distant, and there is no probability of
our seeing any thing of them.
I received Carrie’s letter in regard to
Little Johnnie’s indisposition, but had been
previously made aware of it by letters
to Abram which arrived before mine.
Abram fears to leave now on account
of his apprehension that an Engage-
ment may occur during his absence.
The matter however is so uncertain
that I have Earnestly counseled, and
advised him to make the visit, but
Cannot prevail upon him to do so.
I shall renew my persuasion to-
morrow. There will be I think
no difficulty I think in his procu-
ring the necessary furlough.
Try and write me as frequently as
you conveniently can. It is a great comfort
to me to receive letters from you, or any of
the home folks. Please send me “Adlers
German Reader” – 1st Volume Moliere’s works,
and a Small French Dictionary. You will
find the books in my library.

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Be sure you write me about the time that
you forward these articles so that I
may enquire for them immediately, on
their arrival, and be sure that you
secure the Express Agents receipt for
their delivery.
Tell Grandmama that I have duly
discussed the Eatables she so kindly sent, and
found them most Excellent. The apples
also, say to Catherine were very accep-
table.
Remember me most affectionately
You to the family and believe me
Your devoted brother
Jno. W. Daniel
Wednesday Morning –
N.B.
Please add to the articles that you send
“Tiarks German Grammar” – a small green book
with name (I think) on the Outside – also
a few envelopes, and wafers. The drum
is just beating for us to start out on picket,
We will return Saturday night – Don’t be
uneasy if you have no letter from me
in the intervening time – I may have no
opportunity of writing or sending a letter.
So “au revoir” –
Your Brother
Jno. W. Daniel –
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I find my Envelope is as
usual upside down –
Excuse moi
J.W.D.

1st Lieut John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, Co. C, 27th Virgnia and later Co. C, 11th Virgnia. University of Virginia alumnus, later U.S. Senator from Virginia.

MSS 158