1861 December 22 Winchester

My Darling Wife –
We left here on expedition to the
Potomac on last Monday morning at 7 Oclock and
returned again this evening. We lost one man
Joshua Parks killed by the enemy & his body I suppose
by this time has reached his friends at Lexington
to whom it was sent for burial. Present my Kind
regards to Mrs Parks and say to her that I hearti
ly sympathise in the sad bereavement which
his fallen upon her. He was a brave and
good man universally esteemed and beloved
by his comrades, and his loss is much dep-
lored.
Whilst gone we slept out, without our tents
four nights. I had plenty of blankets and slept
as sound as if I had been in quarters. I really
could not have thought, I could stand so much
exposure with so little inconvenience. I think
if my health continues to improve under
such out-door life I will soon be able to
stand every thing but ball and shell.
I received Helens letters for which give her
my thanks. I was delighted to hear that our
baby is well and improving rapidly. I am much gratified
too at your pressing invitation to come
home. I believe Love you must want to
see me. It has been my purpose to ask
for a furlough as soon as winter had
fairly set in so as to make active


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operations impracticable. To day was very cold
so cold that we all had to get off our horses
and make the greater part of the march on foot
To night we have sleet and snow which
I think will pass for winter especially as
it now wants only three days of Christmas
So Love I shall ask for a furlough sometime
this week and if I can get it will be off
for home. And if you hear a loud rub
at the door some night before long you
need not think robbers are breaking in
but that is your own dear husband
coming home to see wife and little ones
dearer to him than every thing else on
earth. But Love you must not calcu-
late with too much certainty on seeing
me. If I can get leave I will, but
that is not a certainty.
I hope you all may have a happy Christ-
mas and wish I had the means of sending
some nuts and candy for Mathew & Gala.
Many who spent the last Christmas with
wife and children at home, will be missing
this time perhaps to join the happy group
in Merry Christmas never again. But let
us be hopeful – at least spare the effort
to merit fulfillment and fruition of the
hopes we cherish so fondly. Now, Dearest,
good bye till I see you or write again.
A Kiss to the children as my Christmas gift
Ever Yours
E.F. Paxton


[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

Elisha Franklin "Bull" Paxton, University of Virginia alumnus and Confederate general, commnaded the 27th Virginia Infantry.

MSS 2165