1861 Dec[ember] 1 Centreville

My Dear Sister –
Yesterday just before sitting
down to dinner ^Yesterday’ a familiar voice attracted
my attention and on looking ^ ‘up’ I recognized
no less a person than Abram who had
just come in from Manassas. I was quite
glad to see him and particularly so as
he brought a box of good things prepared
by kind hands at home. I have not yet
received the box from the junction, but from
the account given of its contents I have
no doubt but that it will be a most
acceptable present. I am glad to
hear from Abram that all are well
and that little John had recovered from
his recent indisposition. I am afraid however
that there will be a serious relapse when
Adele becomes anxious to see Abram
again. The week has been signal-
ized by any number of military parades
and reviews and flag presentations
and speech making have been all
the go. There is nothing here but
what pertains to the Art militaries.
Drums are continually beating, troops
continually tramping by, and soldiers,
and officers off duty throng every
by way and thoroughfare in an
interminable line. It is really re-
freshing to see a citizen – What girls
and ladies are is a matter of
mysterious recollection, a by gone memory thing
grown distant with a [rest of line too tattered to decipher]

[page 2]
I notice in the late papers that the
Entire country is daily expecting a
battle here. It may be that the people
are correct in their anticipation but
as yet we have no warning that such
an event is near at hand. We have
Yet made no preparations for the winter
which is now upon us, and this fact
with Some others of a general char-
acter are the Only grounds on
which it is Conjectured that our
Commanders expect to meet the Enemy,
before the weather puts a stop to military
operations.
Uncle Daniel is still at the junction
and Abram has gone down to join him
and wait until a conveyance arrives to carry
them to Leesburg some 20 miles, distant.
I cannot now see any chance of
getting a furlough to visit home. I
am entirely too hardy, & healthy looking
to attempt such a thing.
I am very much obliged to you all
for the good things sent – nothing could
have been more acceptable.
Let Pa know immediately that you have
heard from me.
Kiss Pat. N. for me and tell him
that I have commenced a letter to him,
which he shall soon get. Give my love
to Lelia N, Willie, Uncle Sam &c __
Remember me to all at home and
believe as ever
Your Affectionate Brother
Jno. W. Daniel


John Warwick Daniel, Co. C, 27th Virginia Infantry
MSS 158