1861 December 13 Camp near Centrreville

Camp near Centreville

13 Dec 1861. Sunset.

My darling Jennie

Amonge [sic]the borring [sic] things which
one experiences in life is the spen-
ding a day like this one. Nothing
doing and nothing expected to be done
All day long we have heard heavy fire-
ing [sic] in the direction of Leesburg and
yet it has not excited an emotion in
any one. The idea is general that our
Brigade is very shortly to go into Winter
Quarters and I with others believe it is
true but I have ceased to take the least
interest in it except only as a move
which will for the time change our pres-
ent monotinous [sic] life, for I understand
our position will be on the R Road
below Manassas Junction where we
will be as much shut out from the
world as at present. Four months more
will Relieve me from one years service
and I can then if alive take a furlough
and intend to do it. I get awfully tired
of doing nothing all day & then going
through the same operation day after
day, but there is no use of complaint
I will do as I advise you to do – put as
cheerful a face on it as possible and
make the most of it. James promised to
call as he Returned from the Junction
but did not do so and until I got your
letter to day I was hoping he had gone
on to Frescatti. I got a letter from
Sister Lizzie in which she says she

[page 2]
Received a letter from Newt a day or two
before stating that Hilary had Received a
slight injury by a fall from his horse
He is at Martinsburg under the care of
Newt, who assured Lizzie that his injury
was not serious. I see from the papers
that they have had some quite brisk
skirmishing at Martinsburg in which our
men had succeeded in doing the enimy
some harm & sustained very little themselves
I dont know what to tell you to do with
The meazles [sic] except that I am fully satis-
fied that you should without delay send
for a Doctor. as a general thing such cases
Require but little treatment beyond keeping
the bowels free & the patient free from
exposure. I suppose you can manage most
of the cases yourself. Jim & Lizzie will of
course both have them, but a little care &
close attention to their diet will bring them
safely through.
Dont trouble yourself about the shirts &
cap. I am coming to get them myself
so you may Rest perfectly easy on
that score. but when I will come I
cant say. Suppose I eat a Xmas din-
ner with you – will you say I must
not excite hopes. I shant do it, but dont
you send the shirts.
Saturday I have a notion to Ride down to
see Tom Yancey this morning, after
I get breakfast.
Most affectionately
ETHW

"Jim & Lizzie", page 2, line 18 - 'These are Warren's children: son James 'Jim', 5 years old, and daughter Lizzie, 6 years old.'

[Transcription and annotations by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g