1861 December 7 Camp near Centreville

Camp near Centreville
Dec 7” 1861

Failed again Yesterday
Morning the moment I had leisure
I went to see the Genl intending to
apply for but leave of absence but he
& staff had just Rode off. I intended
to go up again last evening but
unfortunately the Genl was thrown
from his horse as he was Returning
to camp & almost killed. I fear he
was under the influence of liquor from
what I hear in Relation to the acc
ident and if so I Regret it ex-
tremely. Since we have been at
this point he has been perfectly so
ber all the time & consequently a
very agreeable gentleman to do buis-
ness [sic] with. from him I have Received
every courtesy & kindness & favor and
always having perfect confidence in
him as an officer of course I can
but Regret an accident which may
deprive us of his services in a fight
which our officers now say is iminent [sic]
It has been definitely understood
that McClellands [sic] entire force had
been moved to this side of the River
& consequently they all believe
we are to be attact [sic] either here or
at Evansport. You say I must
not go to Evansport. Why my darling
would you have me stay behind

[page 2]
when my Regiment goes forward and
then make a clean break-out. Why
if I was to do so you could never
Respect me again. But if it is
any consolation to you I can say
with perfect frankness that I dont
expect to fight either here or at Evans
port. My impression is that the enimy
will contend themselves with their
operations against our southern
coast at least during this winter
especially if no troops leave this
place. The only possible chance
for a fight here will be for
us to make them believe we
have [sent] there a large force from
here.
To day we are to have a grand
Review by Major Genl E K Smith
I am of course still in com-
mand of the 10” Va Reg. I cant
of course yet say when you must
look for me but hope soon
to be able to make Jennie & the
children happy.
Most affectionatly [sic]
ETHW

Genl", line 3 - 'Brigadier-General Arnold Elzey, 4th Brigade commander

"Major Genl E K Smith", page 2, line 19 - 'Major-General Edmund Kirby Smith, Commander, 4th Division. At Manassas No. 1, then Brigadier-General Smith had commanded the 4th Brigade, Army of the Shenandoah, of which the 10th VA Infantry was a part. Unfortunately, upon the brigade reaching the fighting, Gen. Smith was wounded in the neck and then Colonel Arnold Elzey took command.

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

MSS 7786-g